Methods of Teaching
25
character by the performance of everyday duties, lowly though they
may be....
No one is qualified for great and important work, unless he has
been faithful in the performance of little duties. It is by degrees that
the character is formed, and that the soul is trained to put forth effort
and energy proportionate to the task which is to be accomplished
Talented Children Require Greater Care—We should imprint
upon our children’s minds that they are not their own, to go, and to
come, and dress, and act, as they please.... If they possess personal
attractions and rare natural abilities, greater care should be taken in
their education, lest these endowments be turned to a curse, and are
so used as to disqualify them for the sober realities of this life, and,
through flattery and vanity and love of display, unfit them for the better
life
Refrain From Undue Notice or Flattery—Give children but lit-
tle notice. Let them learn to amuse themselves. Do not put them on
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exhibition before visitors as prodigies of wit or wisdom, but leave them
as far as possible to the simplicity of their childhood. One great reason
why so many children are forward, bold, and impertinent is they are
noticed and praised too much, and their smart, sharp sayings repeated
in their hearing. Endeavor not to censure unduly, nor to overwhelm
with praise and flattery. Satan will all too soon sow evil seed in their
young hearts, and you should not aid him in his work
Read to Your Children—Fathers and mothers, obtain all the help
you can from the study of our books and publications. Take time to
read to your children.... Form a home reading circle, in which every
member of the family shall lay aside the busy cares of the day, and
unite in study. Especially will the youth who have been accustomed to
reading novels and cheap storybooks receive benefit from joining in
the evening family study
“Train,” Not “Tell”—To parents is committed the great work
of educating and training their children for the future, immortal life.
Many fathers and mothers seem to think that if they feed and clothe
their little ones, and educate them according to the standard of the
20
Testimonies For The Church 3:46, 47
.
21
The Signs of the Times, December 9, 1875
.
22
The Signs of the Times, February 9, 1882
.
23
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 138
.