The Sunday School Teacher as a Teacher

Teaching is an art. Therefore the teacher should strive to master it. There are three ways by which a teacher may learn how to teach.

1. Observation

In every Sunday school there is someone who ranks as its most successful teacher. Observe this finest teacher, and discover his methods of teaching; study his way of getting and holding attention; see how he begins his teaching, and try to find out his plan of putting the truth; not how he draws out his students, and how he holds his class to the thought of the day's lesson. Watching a good teacher teach is a wonderful way to learn the art. "Learn from the masters."

2. Practice

Practice here, as elsewhere, makes perfect. No amount of fine theory can take the place of the inevitable practice that must assure success. A good method may be discovered in the teaching of another. Take it, use it, and watch its effect upon your own students. If it stimulates interest, continue to use it. If not, drop it and try another.

Be careful that you attempt only what your good judgment approves, but do not be afraid to make experiments. Edison tried a thousand times and more before he set his incandescent light going.

When you find that you have a good, all-round method working successfully, hold to it, and try to make it better. But be willing to practice the art of the

teacher painstakingly, in the assurance that only by this slow process can you hope to attain ease and skill. Remember that success usually doesn't come in one try.

3. Books on Teaching

There are many excellent books on teaching. Purchase a few, or borrow from the library. Read them carefully, think them over, compare what they say with your own ways of teaching, and then put into practice what you have digested. Shape it to the special needs and interests of your class.

The foundation principles of teaching will be found in most of these books. Even one good book on teaching, thoroughly mastered, can help you to become a better teacher.

This article is taken from a book called The Sunday School Teacher by Professor H. M. Hamill, D.D., Copyright 1901. It has been rewritten and adapted by Jessica Gerald of http://www.oldfashionedhomemaking.com.