A Call to Christian Educators
By Editor
AT the recent Pacific Union Educational Council, held at South Tacoma, Wash., the following recommendations concerning readers for the church-school were made:— 1. That four graded monthly publications, or one weekly publication, be issued to provide matter for the reading classes in our schools. 2. That this council select editors for these publications. 3. That a committee of three, of which the educational secretary of the Pacific Union Conference shall be a member, be appointed to complete arrangements for publication. 4. That, in the selection of material for these publications, matter from the Bible and our denominational literature be given the most prominent place. 5. That every person interested in our educational work be requested to make selections to be submitted for publication. 6. That we publish an announcement in the Pacific Union Recorder and the REVIEW AND HERALD embodying the action of this council in reference to readers, and solicit contributions to the same. 7. That the readers be printed at the Pacific Press if suitable arrangements can be made. 8. That every reasonable effort be made to keep the expense to patrons at a minimum. 9. That the editorial committee receive suggested names for the publication to contain the reading material, and make the final selection. 10. Editorial Committee: M. E. Cady, W. E. Howell, Mrs. Alma E. McKibbin, Sarah Peck, Katharine Hale. Since the council it has been decided to print this matter in four separate monthly publications adapted to the second, third, fourth, and fifth to seventh years of the church-schools respectively. The cost to patrons, including cover for filing, will not exceed thirty-five to sixty-five cents for each monthly publication for the school year of nine or ten months. For the first year of the course it is intended to use Sutherland's and Sanders' Readers. From the foregoing recommendations it will be seen that we earnestly desire to receive contributions of material for these readers; and it is urged that these contributions be made largely by successful teachers, especially in the church-school. It is not intended, however, to exclude any one, of whatsoever persuasion, from a part in this important work of supplying proper mental and spiritual food for our children and youth. Will those who have an interest in saving the lambs of the fold, send in their instalment at once? As to the matter, observe these points:— 1. Biblical and denominational literature to be made most prominent. 2. Selections may be made from any source. 3. Matter may be (a) selected; (b) adapted; (c) original. 4. Matter should be sent in as fast as ready so long as each instalment is complete in itself. 5. Our plan includes annotations, suited to the grade, with a view to making the thought clear (especially in selections), to developing simple language exercises based upon the text, and to introducing drill in number work naturally suggested by the text, and practise in drawing for “busy” work. The course of study calls for language work to begin in the third year, to consist, in that year, of capitals, the simple punctuation, and short sentences. Spelling and writing are to be based upon the reading-matter from the beginning, and it is intended to provide progressive exercises in spelling, so as to let no new word escape notice. Therefore— 6. We earnestly request you to annotate your own matter to the best of your understanding of the plan, and to be free to make suggestions to the editorial committee on any point. Do not, however, let this request deter you from sending in matter without annotation if you do not find it practicable to supply the latter. 7. In preparing your matter, please keep in mind the particular grade you design it for, and accompany the matter with a definite recommendation on this point. 8. May we not look for at least one instalment from you within a week? The King's business requires haste, but not hurry. 9. Address all matter to Christian Educator, Healdsburg, Cal. It is well in closing to say that this plan of preparing readers is a co-operative one, both in spirit and in fact. No individual will own the copyright, nor receive any profit from the publication and sale of the readers, nor receive any honor that may accrue. The matter is put out in this form with a view to thoroughly testing it by use before putting it into permanent form. Will you co-operate?