OCR Text |
Show 41.4 REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN SCHOOLS. school very awkward. They are unfamiliar with the most simple tools; in fact, ae a rule, they can not use their hands. Our duty, then, as teachers is to have them over-come their awkwardnem-to learn to know themselves. This requires both time and patience. In the discussion of this paper Supt. H. E. Wilson said: "We should teach the children haw to use to the best advantage the things, the implements, and machines that they will have or be able to have at their homes. If they are always given an abundance of im lements and complicated machinery to work with, they will not he able to work wittout them when they go home. They should he taught to accom-plish good results with ample devices and implements." What of the returned stndentsl-Mrs. Anna D. Wild, field matron.--One of our young men holds a responsible public office in one of the neighboring towns and is highly esteemed and respected by the white residents. The returned students in this community ma number fifty or sixty. Thirteen may he counted as having done excellently we$. Only two have done badly. Others may he classed an good or fair. When we think of the rnanv that are holding Government and other responsihle positions, with those who are quietly working for the uplifting of their people in their homes, I think that it is uite convincing that they do enough good toward the uplifting of their race to just?fy the expenditures that have been made for their education. Our duty toward returned students is tocooperate in stretchin forth our hands to them and to continue to give them protection, sympathy, an8 encouragement. Teach the things the pupil# need most.-Mi= Enola G. Acord, matron.-The art of housekeeping in asystematic way is what we should teach our Indian girls. The ideal training for girls is that which will instill a love for home and makegood, neat housekeepers. The planting of shrubs, plants, and flowers will, at a small expense, work a great transformation in the surroundings of a home. The good home makes a good citizen, and the good citizen makes a good government. Day-school experience.-Charles A. Shultis, teacher Day School No. 2.-My work at this school includes a period of three and one-half years, and during that time I have been studying the material upon which I have to work. Different pupils require different treatment. That the day school makes its influence felt in the communit can not he gainsaid. This fall one of themen who lives near the school cut his fod: dew It is the first time I have known him to do so. He also cultivated that same corn with his home; heretofore the women hoed it. This departure from the old style may rightfully he dueto the school's influence. Effect. and opportunities of day ~Ehoola.-Mrs. Charles W. Hoffman, housekeeper Day School No. 3.-The opportunities that preeent themselves to the day school are almost legon: T,h e not only connect the work with the scholars, but with the alder people w o llve ~n t e camps where the school is situated. The school is in direct intercourse with their homes, and influences them to agreat extent. The parents will become interested in the day school if it is what it ought to be. As the teachers of the day school are frequently the only white eople near the Indians, they can become beaeon lights for them to follow, whether Ergoad or had. Asa rule, Indians place white people on a high plane and watch them to see if they are consistent, and if the Indians are once deceived it is hard to regain their confidence and respect. The Indians enjoy visiting the homes of the teachers and viewing the pictures on the walls, and the pictures given them can he seen in their homes. This all has its influence for good. The children put in practice what they see at the schools, in keeping the homes neat and tidy. The art of sewing.-Miss Nora Le Ro , seamstreas.-The fimt step. in sewing are taken by the little ones in play with galls, in making dresses, etc. The style and art of sewing change every year, and to keep up with new ideas we have to read and study as well as other instructors. I have found some exceptionally good workers among the children, and they seem to want to learn. The need of nnity in onr work.-Miss Josephine Janese, assistant matro~-This meam that all should work as one;' all agree to join hand3 in whatever work comes their way. I think that the school and agency people should all work together. The children are quick to learn housework; some of them are fast workers and some are not. We should have a pleasant word for everyone, as this will teach the ohil-dren to he holite to their schwlmates and the emplo ees Unity should always he in the schoolroom, so that we can work with our ch8drin and they with us as one mind. Care of (lovernment property.-Amzi W. Thomas, Indian +gent.-We have been placed here to teach the wards of the Government the value of all articles; that every article represents both labor and money, vhether it belongs to an individual or to the Government. B ourselves showing a care for Government property we teach the Indian common Konesty. |