As to note books, I believe they are very helpful in teaching English history; but do not overdo their use. If we insist on their being very elaborate we make a fetish of them. They have two very simple uses—(a) to emphasize important matters in each lesson; (b) to contain any points outside the text-book which the teacher gives the class. Also their by-products of concentration and accuracy and practice for college work are by no means to be despised. At the beginning, when a pupil is possibly taking notes for the first time, we must be very patient, speaking slowly and practically dictating the things to be “put down.” As a rule I would not put facts on the board to be copied. That is too easy. A class must learn to take notes from the voice, and gradually to catch matters worth setting down without special direction.
Reference Books.
Two very useful books to which constant reference will be made during the coming months are Beard’s “Introduction to the English Historians” (MacMillan), and Cheyney’s “Readings in English History” (Ginn & Co.). Both of these volumes give well-selected quotations from many sources inaccessible to many of us, and with one or both of them in our possession we shall be tolerably well equipped for the year’s work. Then there are two old “standards” which most of us possess or may easily get at. First of all, in my opinion, is Green’s “Short History of the English People” (Harper’s one volume edition); and second, Gardiner’s “Student’s History of England” (Longmans, Green & Co.) is not only a good one-volume history, but is particularly rich in pictures of value and interest.
In explaining the missionary efforts of the Irish church, the fascinating career of St. Patrick should not be neglected. See “Ireland” in the “Stories of the Nations,” series, by Lawless, Chapter IV.
Anglo-Saxon government is an important subject. Gardiner has a good brief explanation of terms, pp. 29-33, and 72-75 of the “Students’ History.” Beard and Cheyney may be read quickly and with helpful results on this subject.
Alfred the Great, the noblest figure, shall we not say in all English history—certainly in this period, should be sympathetically studied. Of course Green paints him vividly, pp. 48-52, but if possible get Walter Besant’s “Story of King Alfred,” in the “Library of Useful Stories” (D. Appleton & Co.).
The colossus of the tenth century was Dunstan. Some text-books slight him. See Green, pp. 55-58 for his remarkable many sidedness.
Of course Freeman’s “Norman Conquest” is full of meat on this period before the Normans, as well as on the Normans themselves. A judicious use of the index will make these volumes of Freeman very useful if you have time for the search. The rise of Normandy and the wonderful career of Duke William should of course be made sunlight clear.