Suggestions for School Work

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 5, 1906

Suggestions for School Work

“Order is heaven’s first law, and every school should in this respect be a model of heaven.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, page 201.

“The Lord would have our primary schools of such character that angels of God can walk through the room, and behold in the order and principles, the order and government of heaven.”—MS.

The first requisite of good government is perfect self-government; but no teacher can impart it to her pupils unless she herself puts it into practise.

Strive to teach self-government by having the children do right because it is right. Let rules be as few as possible, but when you find it necessary to make them, have the children see their necessity, and have a part in making them; and then they will take a real interest in seeing that these rules are not broken. Aid the children in keeping order by giving them plenty of work to do—keep them busy; for “an idle brain is the devil’s workshop.”

As far as possible avoid public reproof. Do as you would wish to be done by under similar circumstances; but before administering reproof of any kind, ask God to direct you, and you will find the reproof much more effective. In everything “be kind, but firm.”

There should be a definite program, and both teacher and pupils should work in harmony with it. The lessons should be assigned, that there can be no doubt in the pupil’s mind as to just what is expected of him. The lesson should not be too difficult, and when once assigned, the teacher should be careful that it is all recited.

There should be order in everything. There should be a place for everything, and everything should be kept in its place. With a little care the children can be led to help in this by keeping their books, wraps, etc., in their places. It is almost surprising what a difference it sometimes makes in the order if the schoolroom is kept clean, being carefully mopped or swept every day. No paper should be allowed to remain on the floor, and the blackboards should be wiped with a damp cloth every day. The pupils should be taught to keep their hair combed, and their hands and faces clean. The teacher should be an example of neatness in dress as in all other things.

Another help in preserving good order, is keeping the schoolroom at a temperature of about sixty-five degrees, and well ventilated.

It will be found beneficial, and no

time will be lost, if a few minutes are spent between intermissions in taking some brisk physical exercise. During such exercise the windows may be lowered to change the air in the room.

These things are all important, as they help much in the building of a strong, clean, and pure character.—Home, Farm, and School.