MRS. VINA SHERWOOD-ADAMS by Mrs. Vina Sherwood-Adams

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Feb 25, 1915

MRS. VINA SHERWOOD-ADAMS

By Mrs. Vina Sherwood-Adams

Our Little Table, and How It Solves Some Home Problems—No. 5

MRS. VINA SHERWOOD-ADAMS

Do not expect perfect work from the children in modeling things with modeline. What to you may seem a very crude object from their hands is to them almost a perfect representation. It is well to begin by forming a ball. This may be done by rolling it either on the molding board or between the palms of the hands. To form the figure of a person, press the ball between the palms into the cylinder shape. A small round ball placed on the top of the cylinder is the head. Smaller cylinders added form the arms. With the modeling tool, which is a pointed stick the size of a small lead pencil, smooth together the parts joined on, also print the eyes, nose, etc. A piece of the substance flattened may be placed around as a garment. Just a repetition on a smaller scale of the dough dolls you mothers sometimes make for your children!

It is better not to allow the children to work too long at a time with the modeline, even if they wish to. The use of it will grow too common, and they may lose their keen interest. Ten minutes for the story and twenty for the hand work is quite long enough for wee folk. Alternate the nature stories mentioned in a previous article, every two days with the Bible story. This gives variety to the hand work.

Now, just a few thoughts regarding story-telling. First, let me state that there are few real story-tellers in the world; so the most of us will have to content ourselves with coming as near to being good story-tellers as possible. There are a few general rules, however, by which we may all improve. A story told to meet the child's comprehension, is quite different from the same story related to an adult. One must cultivate imagination. Children enjoy details. A story should be told in simple, well-chosen language, all the while endeavoring to put oneself in the place of the listening child. “What is worth doing at all is worth doing well,” is just as true of telling a story as of anything else. Therefore a little previous preparation is needed to tell a story successfully. If possible go by yourself and relate the incident aloud. Does your voice sound simple and pleasant and natural? The tone of voice has a wonderful effect on children in listening to a story.

By indulging the imagination I do not mean “coloring” a story with so high a light that it will be untruthful. Bible scenes happened long ago, and the Bible text is often very brief. I have therefore found the books “Patriarchs and Prophets” and “The Desire of Ages” invaluable aids in supplying this needed information. Then it has to be simplified and woven into the story to meet a child's understanding. A study of the geography of the country where the scene you wish to describe occurred, as well as a study of the habits and clothing of the people of those days, aids in the construction of the story. Do not tell the story with a long face and solemn manner, in the old-style Scripture language. Tell it in a happy way, just as if those people in those far-off days were your personal friends. Some of them will be, over in the new earth. The children will catch the spirit and really want to meet those people over there. They will grieve with you over the mistakes of some, and will rejoice with you over the victories of others.

Let me suggest that it is well to eliminate all objectionable scenes, such as the taking of life. For instance, where Moses killed the Egyptian, just state that Moses thought he would save the people from the cruel king in his own way. He did not even ask God how to do this, so he made a great mistake and had to leave all his relatives and friends and flee a long way into a strange country, etc. Very small children rarely comprehend the meaning of death, and if they do catch its meaning it is a nervous shock to them, all unnecessary for a child to experience, and a little child accepts in so real a manner all that you relate.

If you find some difficulty in telling a story connectedly, write it out a few times, until the habit is formed. This will impress the thoughts on your memory and improve the quality of your diction. Occasionally ask a question in your story which cannot be answered by yes or no.

For very small children it is not advisable to begin with Genesis and try to give a connected history throughout the Bible; but as you study the needs of your child, daily select such Bible characters as will meet the present particular need of the little one in strengthening and developing his character. A good story often has a better effect than a lecture or the rod to correct a wrong habit.