This section is from the book "Educational Activities For Boys", by Anonymous. Also available from Amazon: Educational Activities for Boys.
Separate classes for employed boys are conducted in the Cincinnati Association. Those working in offices and who wish to enter offices are in charge of one instructor and are taught arithmetic, penmanship, principles of bookkeeping, filing, copying letters, indexing, office etiquette, etc. In the other division the common school branches are taught. The teacher in the latter class has been very successful in holding the interest of the boys. His plan of teaching history and geography is somewhat original. A state, for instance, is taken up.
Its location is discussed. Perhaps an outline or map is sketched on the board. The principal cities are located, the points of historic interest noted, the date of settlement and so on. Men of historic note from the State are also mentioned. Grammar is taught chiefly through composition work. Another feature to which is attributed much of his success with the boys is the grading of the class. He speaks of them as of Class A and Class B.
This division is made according to their previous schooling. This gives the bright boy, whose early education has been limited, an opportunity to make as good a standing as the boy who has spent two or three years in school. Reports are made out at intervals showing their grading, based upon effort, deportment and class work. A series of practical talks on live subjects following their evening's work in the "gym" is proving very popular and secures regular attendance. The first four of a series of six talks averaged above eighty boys in attendance.
 
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