Margaret McAdam - Rural School Teacher - 1918

Margaret McAdam

Margaret McAdam was born the 28th of September 1872 in Westfield Township, Dodge County, Minnesota.  Like her sisters, she too qualified as a teacher.  She attended the Winona State Normal School and graduated in of 1897.  Her first teaching job was in Bird's Island, Minnesota.   

School - District #64 

Westfield Township, Dodge County, Minnesota

By about 1900 though Margaret was the teacher for School District #64.  This was the primary school - beginners and grades 1-8 and built on land donated by her parents - Matthew and Mary McAdam.  Margaret was a one room, nine grades, rural school teacher!  She taught until her death from pneumonia October 21, 1935.  

Published 1918

We sometimes think that life was simpler one hundred years ago, but I think that Margaret's dedication, and the energy she applied to her career would match that of any 21st century educator. She continued advance her teaching credentials throughout her life, attending seminars and conferences, and lecturing on rural education.  

Using Google Books search, I found that Margaret was a contributor to the above "Minnesota Course of Study and Manual for Teachers" published in 1918. Below is her recommendation of a school day for 9 grades as taught by one teacher.  The time of day is listed followed by the length of instruction.

"Program for a Rural School

Furnished by Miss Margaret McAdam, of Blooming Prairie, Minn.

A.M.                                                           

9.00-10 - Morning Exercises                            

9.10-10 - Beginners' Class - Reading Preparation  

9.20-10 - 1st, Reading                                   

9.30-10 - 2d, Reading

9.40-20 - 7th and 8th, Reading (Spelling and Composition)

10.00-15 - 3d and 4th, Reading

10.15-15 - 5th and 6th, Reading

10.30-10 - Recess

10.40-10 - Beginners' Reading (Later in year, Numbers)

10.50-10 - 1st and 2d, Numbers

11.00-10 - 2d and 3d, Numbers

11.10-15 - 4th and 5th, Arithmetic

11.25-15 - 6th and 7th, Arithmetic

11.40-20 - 8th, Arithmetic

12.00-40 - Noon 

P.M.

12.40-10 - Beginners' Reading

12.50-10 - 1st, Reading

1.00-10 -   2d, Reading

1.10-15 -   3d and 4th, Reading, 3 days (Language, 2 days)

1.25-15 -   5th and 6th, History, 3 days (Language 2 days)

1.40-20 -   7th and 8th, History (Reference and Composition work)

2.00-10 -   Writing, except Friday; Drawing, Friday

2.10-10 -   Recess

2.20-10 -   Word Study. (Phonics)

2.30-10 -   2d and 3d, Home Geography. (Language). Industrial work for seat-work.

2.40-15 -   4th and 5th, Geography. (Language). Industrial work for seat-work.

2.55-15 -   6th and 7th, Geography. (Language).  Industrial work for seat-work.

3.10-15 -   8th, Grammar.

3.25-05 -   5th and 6th, Spelling (from speller); (group selling an advantage).

Keep up drills in arithmetic by letting 2d grade recite with 1st, 3d with 2d, 4th with 3d, etc., whenever practicable.  Noon hour may be lengthened and school close later, but closing school at 3:30 gives children a chance to assist with the work and get home before dusk.  Let youngest pupils have extra recess periods to play out of doors or in the halls.  Writing only ten minutes, but make all lessons writing lessons.  Drawing for only one day, for instruction only, practice for seat-work other days.  In the lower grades language must be based on other school subjects indicated in parentheses.  In grades 5, 6, 7, a language-book may be used a part of the time as a guide.  Word drills and word study should precede the reading lessons in lower grades.  Phonics should be at a separate period at least once a day.  Organize a club of some kind.  Have it meet for a general program the last quarter of a day of each month.  Sewing and other industrial work may be done in clubs outside of school."

I am exhausted just reading about Margaret McAdam's suggested work day!