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Education
the children’s respect for the one upon whom their well-being in so
great degree depends.
The parents’ intimate knowledge both of the character of the chil-
dren and of their physical peculiarities or infirmities, if imparted to
the teacher, would be an assistance to him. It is to be regretted that
so many fail of realizing this. By most parents little interest is shown
either to inform themselves as to the teacher’s qualifications, or to
co-operate with him in his work.
Since parents so rarely acquaint themselves with the teacher, it is
the more important that the teacher seek the acquaintance of parents.
He should visit the homes of his pupils and gain a knowledge of
the influences and surroundings among which they live. By coming
personally in touch with their homes and lives, he may strengthen
the ties that bind him to his pupils and may learn how to deal more
successfully with their different dispositions and temperaments.
As he interests himself in the home education, the teacher imparts a
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double benefit. Many parents, absorbed in work and care, lose sight of
their opportunities to influence for good the lives of their children. The
teacher can do much to arouse these parents to their possibilities and
privileges. He will find others to whom the sense of their responsibility
is a heavy burden, so anxious are they that their children shall become
good and useful men and women. Often the teacher can assist these
parents in bearing their burden, and, by counseling together, both
teacher and parents will be encouraged and strengthened.
In the home training of the youth the principle of co-operation is
invaluable. From their earliest years children should be led to feel
that they are a part of the home firm. Even the little ones should be
trained to share in the daily work and should be made to feel that
their help is needed and is appreciated. The older ones should be
their parents’ assistants, entering into their plans and sharing their
responsibilities and burdens. Let fathers and mothers take time to
teach their children, let them show that they value their help, desire
their confidence, and enjoy their companionship, and the children will
not be slow to respond. Not only will the parents’ burden be lightened,
and the children receive a practical training of inestimable worth, but
there will be a strengthening of the home ties and a deepening of the
very foundations of character.