SABBATH-SCHOOL INSTRUCTION.
A TEACHER, writing in the Christian at Work, speaks of an error sometimes found in teachers; an error which we have often noticed in Sabbath-schools. We commend these remarks to all Sabbath-school workers. The following is an extract:— “Let me mention another drawback in Sabbath-school teaching, and that is the tendency on the part of the teacher to spend too much time in mere talk to his scholars. I would almost call it “preaching.” In nearly every class there are two or three scholars who always give apparent attention, whether their minds are interested or not. On these the teacher’s attention is apt to get fastened, and he lets out upon them the floods of his eloquence, while the youngsters at either end of the class are having a good time among themselves, perfectly oblivious to what is being said. The attention of scholars, particularly young scholars, cannot be long sustained by merely talking to them, however good such talk may be. The only plan I have found successful is by rounds of questioning, not addressed to the class generally, but to each pupil in succession, care being taken that an answer is elicited from each, the question being varied to suit the varied capacity of each. Such drill will be found more profitable and interesting both to teacher and scholar than time spent too often, perhaps, in retailing some “goody-goody” stories, designed more for their entertainment than instruction. Sabbath-school teaching is a serious matter, and not to be lightly engaged in.