Waking up the Mind by David P. Page

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 2, 1908

Waking up the Mind

By David P. Page

THE teacher of any experience knows that if he will excite a deep and profitable interest in the school, he must teach many things besides book studies. In our common schools, there will always be a company of small children, who, not yet having learned to read understandingly, will have no means of interesting themselves, and must depend mainly upon the teacher for the interest they take in school. This to them is perhaps the most critical period of their lives. Whatever impression is now made upon them will be enduring. If there they become disgusted with the dulness and confinement of school, and associate the idea of pain and repulsiveness with that of learning, who can describe the injury done to their minds? If, on the other hand, the teacher is really skilful, and excites in them a spirit of inquiry, and leads them in suitable ways to observe, to think, and to feel that the school is a happy place even for children, it is one great point gained.

I may suggest here, then, that it would be well to set apart a few minutes once a day for a general exercise in the school, when it should be required of all to lay by their studies, assume an erect attitude, and give their undivided attention to whatever the teacher may bring before them. Such a course would have its physiological advantages. It would relieve the minds of all for a few minutes. The erect attitude is a healthful one. It would also serve as a short respite from duty, and thus refresh the older scholars for study. I may further add that, for the benefit of these small children, every general exercise should be conducted with reference to them, and such topics should be introduced as they can understand.—David P. Page.