In the ordinary reading cla.s.s the work is largely done by a few of the brighter pupils. It is quite difficult to secure a careful preparation by the whole cla.s.s. It is also difficult to ascertain how well the pupils are prepared. The "Suggestive Questions" will be found very helpful here.

Care has been exercised in the division of the subject matter that each lesson may, in a sense, be complete in itself. The lessons are supposed to occupy twenty-five or thirty minutes; this, with the nature of the subject matter and the number of unfamiliar words, determining the length of the lessons.

The poem is to be studied twice:--

First, a general survey to get the story and the characters clearly in mind.

Second, a careful study of the text that the beauty and richness, the artistic and ethical values of the poem may be realized.

It is obvious that no scheme, however carefully wrought out, can in any sense be a subst.i.tute for earnestness, enthusiasm and sympathy; and careful preparation is an absolute essential of all successful teaching. With these, it is believed, excellent results may be secured by use of this plan.

W.F. CONOVER.

_"B" St. School, San Diego, Cal._

PART I.

A GENERAL SURVEY.

_Lesson I._ The Author and the Poem.

_Lesson II._ Acadia and the Acadians.

_Lesson III._ Discuss the structure of the poem and how it should be read.

Read.

_Lessons IV-XIII._ Read a section each day to get the outlines of the story.

Notice carefully the Topics given on the following pages, and be able to tell with what lines each Topic begins and ends. In the other Sections make lists of Topics, filling out the outlines. Be careful to choose the princ.i.p.al Topics and not subordinate ones.

EVANGELINE--PART I.

SEC. I.

_Acadia._

1. Grand Pre.

2. Benedict Bellefontaine.

3. Bvangeline.

4. The Home.

5. Gabriel, Basil, Father Felician.

6. Childhood of Evangeline and Gabriel.

7. Manhood and Womanhood.

SEC. II.

_The Home._

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

SEC. III.

_The Interview._

1. The Notary.

2. The Argument and Story.

3. The Betrothal.

4. The Game.

5. Departure of Guests.

6. Evangeline.

SEC. IV.

_The Summons._

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

SEC. V.

_The Embarking._