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Teaching “Common Sense”

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 6, 1908

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 6.

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Teaching “Common Sense”

By Mary Ross Lamie

One of the most important subjects which we can teach our pupils is that of common sense. It is possible to get through the world without being able even to read or write, but our progress is indeed slow if we are not sensible and reasonable in our course of action. How queer would appear a portion of the daily program like this: Arithmetic, 9:30 to 10; Common Sense, 10:30 to 11:30. It would appear queer from the simple fact that it is impossible to teach common sense as a subject by itself. No, indeed; but we are to teach it in every class and in our associations with our pupils. When we teach them to be thoughtful, observing, useful, kind, and helpful, we are teaching them common sense. Sincerity is the foundation of all common sense. Our ordinary rules of etiquette are founded upon the principles of the golden rule, and unless sincerity underlies our formal conduct in society, it is of little worth; even our formal greetings and good-byes are a sort of guile if they are not heartfelt, and polite words count for little if we are not sincere.
Recently a young girl visited our school who was so helpful and practical that she served as an admirable example of the benefits of common sense. She made herself so agreeable, by assisting in every way possible in the work of the teacher and in the play of the children, that we all could but wish she might be with us every day. She carried this same spirit into her home, assisting in every way in the duties and pleasures of a country home. One admirable way to teach common sense is in the play and recreation of the children. We can assist them and teach them in their plays quite as much perhaps as by any other means. Children have sharp eyes, and they need to learn to use them for good. In their play it is possible for us to teach them principles of usefulness and seriousness and truth.
MARY ROSS LAMIE.