Chapter thirty three co operation. We are members one of another in the formation
of character. No other influences count so much as the influence of the home.
The teacher's work should supplement that of the parents, but it is not
to take its place in all that concerns the well being of the child.
It should be the effort of parents and teachers to co operate. The work
of cooperation should begin with the father and mother themselves in the home life,
in the training of their children. They have a joint responsibility, and it
should be their constant endeavor to act together. Let them muele themselves to God,
seeking help from Him to sustain each other. Let them teach their children
to be true to God, true to principle, and thus true to themselves
and to all with whom they are connected. With such training, children,
when sent to school, will not be a cause of disturbance or anxiety.
They will be a support to their teachers and an example and encouragement to their
fellow pupils. Parents who give this training are not the ones likely to be
found criticizing the teacher. They feel that both the interests of their children and
justice to the school demand that so far as possible, they sustain and honor
the one who shares their responsibility. Many parents fail here by their hasty,
unfounded criticism. The influence of the faithful, self sacrificing teacher is often well
nigh destroyed. Many parents whose children have been spoiled by indulgence leave to the
teacher the unpleasant task of repairing their neglect, and then, by their own
course, they make his task almost hopeless. Their criticism and censure of the
school management encourage insubordination in the children and confirm them in wrong habits. If
criticism or suggestion in regard to the teacher's work becomes necessary, it should be
made to him in private. If this proves ineffective, let the matter be
referred to those who are responsible for the management of the school. Nothing should
be said or done to weaken the children's respect for the one upon whom their
well being in so great degree depends. The parents intimate knowledge, both of
the character of the children and of their physical peculiarities or infirmities, if imparted
to the teacher, would be in assistance to him. It is to be
regretted that so many fail of realizing this. By most parents little interest is
shown either to inform themselves as to the teacher's qualifications or to cooperate with him
in his work. Since parents so rarely acquaint themselves with the teacher, it
is the more important that the teacher seek the acquaintance of parents. He should
visit the homes of his pupils and gain a knowledge of the influences and surroundings
among which they live. By coming personally in touch with their homes and lives,
he may strengthen the ties that bind him to his pupils, and may
learn how to deal more successfully with their different dispositions and temperaments. As he
interests himself in the home education, the teacher imparts a double benefit. Many
parents, absorbed in work and care lose sight of their opportunities to influence for
good the lives of their children. The teacher can do much to arouse these
parents to their possibilities and privileges. He will find others to whom the sense
of their responsibility is a heavy burden, So anxious are they that their children
shall become good and useful men and women. Often the teacher can assist these
parents in bearing their burden, and by counseling together both teacher and parents will
be encouraged and strengthened. In the home training of the youth. The principle
of cooperation is invaluable from their earliest years. Children should be led to feel
that they are a part of the home firm. Even the little ones should
be trained to share in the daily work, and should be made to feel
that their help is needed and is appreciated. The older ones should be their
parents' assistants, entering into their plans and sharing their responsibilities and burdens. Let
fathers and mothers take time to teach their children, Let them show that they
value their help, desire their confidence, and enjoy their companionship, and the
children will not be slow to respond. Not only will the parents burden be
lightened and the children receive a practical training of inestimable worth, but there will
be a strengthening of the home ties and a deepening of the very foundations of
character. Cooperation should be the spirit of the schoolroom, the law of its
life. The teacher who gains the cooper operation of his pupils secures an invaluable
aid in maintaining order in service in the schoolroom. Many a boy whose restlessness
leads to disorder and insubordination, would find an outlet for his superfluous energy.
Let the older assist the younger, the strong the weak, and so far
as possible, let each be called upon to do something in which he excels.
This will encourage self respect and a desire to be useful. It would
be helpful for the youth, and for parents and teachers as well to study
the lesson of cooperation as taught in the Scriptures. Among its many illustrations,
notice the building of the Tabernacle, that object lesson of character, building in
which the whole people united quote every one whose heart stirred him up, and
every one whom his spirit made willing. Read how the Wall of Jerusalem was
rebuilt by the returned captives in the midst of poverty, difficulty, and danger.
The great task successfully accomplished because quote the people had a mind to work
end quote. Consider the part acted by the disciples in the Saviour's miracle for
the feeding of the multitude. The food multiplied in the hands of Christ,
but the disciples received the loaves and gave to the waiting throng quote we are
members one of another end quote, as every one therefore quote hath received a
gift. Even so, minister the same one to another, as good stewards
of the manifold grace of God. End quote. Well might the words written
of the idle builders of old be with worthier aim adopted as a motto by
character builders of to day. Quote they helped every one his neighbor, and
every one said to his brother, be of good courage. End quote,
end of chapter thirty three.