p. 27 | How Shall We Train Them? by E. Vada Welch

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 1, 1907

How Shall We Train Them?

By E. Vada Welch

“TRAIN up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” I believe this verse means just what it says. If children were trained to go in the right way, there would not be so many departing from it as they grow older.

A child never forgets the lessons learned when he first starts to school. Then, what lesson is more important to be impressed upon his mind than the one of obedience and loyalty to his Maker? Jesus and his love can and should be interwoven in every lesson. If the child, as he starts out on the pathway to knowledge, is taught these things, he will, as he grows older, instead of evading things which are sacred, learn to love and appreciate things of a holy character.

There are many methods that may be used in teaching, but still there is only one method for every school, and that is, to keep in close touch with our Heavenly Father.

As so many parents neglect teaching the small children their Sabbath-school lesson, I think it is a good plan for the teacher to use the lesson, together with the helps on the lesson, for worship in the opening of the school. All the children should be encouraged to take part in the devotional exercises.

As nearly all children like to sing, music can very appropriately be brought in next on the program, and will rest the children before applying their minds to study. Sacred music should be used. Besides interweaving the Bible with the other studies, it should be studied separately. Great care should be taken to make the lessons interesting.

Many children do not like the study of physiology; but I believe that if the thought is impressed upon their minds that their body is not their own to be used as they may choose, but is designed to be the temple of the living God entrusted to their care to be used for him, they will take a greater interest in the study of physiology, and will want to learn how they can best care for their bodies. Also many precious lessons can be brought in in geography, by comparing the earth as it was before man’s fall and as it will be when made new, with the earth as it is in its present sinful state.

Teaching the children to think of self last, and to be ever ready and willing to help others, will not only be a help in the schoolroom, but will teach them to be little missionaries at home. Such exercises as drawing and writing, or any appropriate exercise, may be brought in when the children become restless. If we are willing workers, the Lord will give us wisdom in thwarting the devices of our enemy, though they be many.

“Are the gifts and talents of every educator improved for the very best good of the pupils? Who is watching for a favorable moment to speak words of kindness and love? Who loves to tell the story of Him who so loved the world that he gave his life to redeem lost and perishing sinners? Train the youth, mold the character, educate, educate, educate, for the future immortal life. Pray often. Plead with God to give you a spirit of supplication. Do not feel that your work as teacher is done unless you can lead your scholars to faith in Jesus and love for him. Let the love of Christ pervade your own souls, and then you will unconsciously teach it to others. When you as instructors commit yourselves unreservedly to Jesus, for him to lead, to guide, to control, you will not fail. Teaching your students to be Christians is the greatest work before you. Go to God; he hears and answers prayer. Put from you questionings, doubts, and unbelief. Let no harshness come into your teaching. Be not too exacting, but cultivate tender sympathy and love. Be cheerful. Do not scold, do not censure too severely; be firm, be broad, be Christlike, pitiful, courteous. ‘Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.’”—“Testimonies,” Vol. V, page 509.

Then let us as teachers strive harder to reflect Jesus in our lives, so that at his soon coming, we can hear only the sentence, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

E. VADA WELCH.