Methods of Teaching
21
Theories Are to Be Tested—The study of books will be of little
benefit, unless the ideas gained can be carried out in practical life.
And yet the most valuable suggestions of others should not be adopted
without thought and discrimination. They may not be equally adapted
to the circumstances of every mother, or to the peculiar disposition
or temperament of each child in the family. Let the mother study
with care the experience of others, note the difference between their
methods and her own, and carefully test those that appear to be of real
value
Methods Employed in Ancient Times.—From the earliest times the
faithful in Israel had given much attention to the matter of education.
The Lord had directed that the children, even from babyhood, should
be taught of His goodness and His greatness, especially as revealed in
His law and shown in the history of Israel. Through song and prayer,
and lessons from the Scriptures, adapted to the opening mind, fathers
and mothers were to instruct their children that the law of God is an
expression of His character, and that as they received the principles of
the law into the heart, the image of God was traced on mind and soul.
In both the school and the home, much of the teaching was oral, but
the youth also learned to read the Hebrew writings; and the parchment
[33]
rolls of the Old Testament Scriptures were open to their study
Teach With Kindliness and Affection—It is the special work
of fathers and mothers to teach their children with kindliness and
affection. They are to show that as parents they are the ones to hold
the lines, to govern, and not to be governed by their children. They are
to teach that obedience is required of them
The restless spirit naturally inclines to mischief; the active mind, if
left unoccupied with better things, will give heed to that which Satan
may suggest. The children need ... to be instructed, to be guided
in safe paths, to be kept from vice, to be won by kindness, and be
confirmed in well-doing
Fathers and mothers, you have a solemn work to do. The eternal
salvation of your children depends upon your course of action. How
will you successfully educate your children? Not by scolding, for it
4
The Signs of the Times, February 9, 1882
.
5
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 442
.
6
Letter 104, 1897
.
7
Letter 28, 1890
.