The Christian Home School by L. Josephine Hunt.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 9, 1907

The Christian Home School

By L. Josephine Hunt.

To many minds the home school is something impracticable. But be that as it may, some of the strongest characters have been developed entirely within the precinct of the home.

Of Timothy, Paul said, “From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” So Timothy was trained into a knowledge of the Scriptures—and by his mother—for Paul states in another place, “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.”

When God has a work to be done, he uses characters that are fitted for that particular work. Those who have had a glimpse of what real work is, who have been self-disciplined, are those whom God uses. At the present time a home school is what? To some it may mean one thing, to some another. That with which we will at this time deal is that part which has to do with the teaching of the rudiments of learning.

It will not be necessary to call a meeting of the church board in order to start our school. The first thing is for the parents to feel the need of Christian training for their children, and not having the benefits of a church-school, they will look elsewhere, being decided for a Christian school. Now that we are agreed that there shall be a school, who will take the responsibility of teaching these children? Are we to have a hired teacher, or will one of the parents do it, or perhaps one of the older children fill the place? Surely there is some one. The father may plead absence from home a greater part of the time, too much responsibility. So we look to the mother; she says, How can I when already I have more than I can do well? If you were in the world, dear mother, you would spend more or less time with the various clubs and societies of the vicinity. You can take the oversight of the children’s lessons. Leave some classes for the father to conduct. He can make the morning and evening worship a part of the Bible work. Perhaps all of it may come at this time, and it will become a family Bible class.

Perchance you will not be able to hear a certain class every day at a stated hour—though it is far better to do so, as regularity is a very valuable feature of the child’s education—some extra work or a caller may cause a delay frequently. The all-important thing is to keep the children’s minds at work. You will without doubt at times be obliged to have the lessons recited while you are about your work. If your home school is a failure, it may be largely because of the need of persistence, and a firm hand in control. These dear little ones must learn a little of self-control. This lesson of self-control is gotten by having the lessons well learned and usual duties well performed. We should make everything practical about our homes, and discipline ourselves with the sword of truth. Growing in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we shall impart our life to our children. L. JOSEPHINE HUNT.