Here are some thoughts on the role of educating children from 'The teacher and the child'*. I thought that they gave food for thought and hopefully will give confidence to any doubting their ability to teach their child at home. I think these points made me aware of the great responsibility of teaching children and the quailites needed in a teacher - none of which I can assure you, are beyond a parent! May we not say that teaching is essentially the response of the adult to the moral and intellectual need and readiness of the child? Who knows their child best to respond in such a way? The whole subject of teaching and training is one which cannot be looked upon as a thing by itself apart. Teaching and training are amongst the fundamental, if not absolutely and fundemental processes of world-building. And all that the world is by the inheritances and traditions of the past reacts upon those who are labouring to make it what they think it ought to be. Teaching is not simply imparting knowledge - it is one character mingling with another. Part of the teacher's world-view will rub off on the pupil. Be sure that the teacher that you choose for your child has the same biblical world-view as your family. Similarly: The longer one teaches and observes the teaching of others the more does one become persuaded that there are spiritual forces in education which cannot be tabulated in a text-book. Subtle forces of personality, the direct influence of mind on mind and of character on character are ever at play. Choose carefully to whom you give this great responsibility. The formalities of method are no substitute for a living touch with the truth we teach on the one hand and with the child to whom we teach it on the other. Your choice of curriculum and textbooks, though important are not as important as the 'living touch' - that relationship between teacher and child. The more we know of the nature and the growth of the mind and heart and conscience in the child, the better are we qualified to be his educators. If this is so, how can a non-Christian begin to teach, knowing nothing of the link between head, hand and heart, only concentrating on the head and hand? They may provide some useful resources, but be careful of their limitations. Children are not empty minds into which we pour 'education'. Neither are they only dependent on that which we pour in. Children are always learning - though what they learn may not always be helpful to them. By the use of its natural powers of attention and retention the mind grows, even independently of the teachers efforts. At whatever stage the teacher's work commences there is a considerable amount of already developed mind to be reckoned with. To be a good teacher:
The broader and richer the conscious the larger the mind. The fear of God should be the noblest exercise of the human mind, because the consciousness of God is our highest consciuousness, being that in which all truth, all law, and all beauty center and form a harmony. T Children desire praise: when it is deserved, give it to them; it will go further than sweets, or treats. May we have confidence in our role and ability as home-educators. Study the Bible, know God, understand your task and study your pupil. See also: Providing a good education in lockdown: heads, hearts and minds. *All quotations from: The Teacher and the Child by H. Thiselton Mark: T. Fisher Unwin, London, 1902.
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Welcome!After studying for an Early Years Specialism degree (B.Ed. Hons), and teaching in mainstream education, I home-educated my own children, after my husband and I were persuaded of the need to take responsibility for bringing up our children 'in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.' (Ephesians 6:4) We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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Here's one I heartlily reccomend for ages 10 +. Search
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The First book from Christina Eastwood - the first in a triology - only £5.99 (ages 8 to 13).
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