p. 21 | The Home School

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jun 16, 1904

The Home School

“The mother . . . should find time to cultivate in herself and in her children a love for the beautiful buds and opening flowers. By calling the attention of her children to their different colors and variety of forms, she can make them acquainted with God, who made all things beautiful, things which attract and delight them. She can lead their minds up to their Creator, and awaken in their young hearts a love for their Heavenly Father, who has manifested such great love for them. Parents can associate God with all his created works. The only schoolroom for children from eight to ten years of age should be in the open air, amid the opening flowers and nature’s beautiful scenery. And their only text-books should be the treasures of nature. These lessons, imprinted upon the mind of young children, amid the pleasant, attractive scenes of nature, will not soon be forgotten.”

“The mother should be the teacher, and the home the school where every child receives his first lessons, and these lessons should include habits of industry. Mothers, let the little ones play in the open air; let them listen to the songs of the birds, and learn the love of God as expressed in his beautiful works. Teach them simple lessons from the book of nature and the things about them; and as their minds expand, lessons from books may be added. Train them to think that, as members of the household, they are to act an interested, helpful part in sharing the domestic burdens, and to seek helpful exercise in the performance of necessary home duties. “It is essential for parents to find useful employment for their children, which will involve the bearing of responsibilities as their age and strength will permit. The children should be given something to do that will not only keep them busy, but interest them. The active hands and brains must be employed from the earliest years. If parents neglect to turn their children’s energies into useful channels, they do them great injury; for Satan is ready to find them something to do. Shall not the doing be chosen for them, the parents being the instructors?”—Mrs. E. G. White.