Year: 1875




The love Of children is still another neces-
sary natural qualification Of the school teach
er. Some possess il and some do not; and
when candidate for the high Office Of pri-
mary teacher especially presents herself
who has not this fondness for children in
some degree at least, she should bc at once
rejected on that account.


This love of children qualities the teacher
to be happy in their presence, to be patient
with childishness, and to sympathize with
them in all their enjoyments aud trials.


1t is interesting to see how children are
drawn, as by magnetism, to the teacher who
loves them. They form her acquaintance at
sight; believe in her, and cling to her as to
their own mother Whose place she occupies,
and whose responsibilities she has assumed)
aud of course they are ready to obey her,
and to profit by her example, precepts, and
instruction. This love Of the teacher for her
pupils always inspires their love for her in
corresponding degree. They seek her sOcie-
ty, and enjoy her presence; they follow her
and cling to her as she winds her way over
the hill and through the valley to aud from
the school they welcome her to their homes,
and entertain her by their smiles and child
ish prattle; they invite her to mingle in
their sport, and to become child again
while with children. 1t is not strange,
therefore, that mutual sympathy is awak-
ened, and mutual friendships created, such
as will give the teacher unbounded control
over her pupils in The management and dis
ciplne Of her school.


Tho true teacher has also fondness for
the work. The routine of school life is not
offensive to him. He is patient and perse-
vering, Industrious and faithful, because he
finds positive pleasure in the performance
of each required duty. He estimates the
dignity and responsibility of the teachers
profession from a higher standpoint, and
cherishes proud satisfaction in the nobility
of his position and the important results of
his labors.


Aptness to govern and to teach is another
natural gift to be sought in the candidate for
the teachers Office. Aptness to govern is
expressed in the word authority, and implies
ability to direct and control others. 1t is
inborn, and manifests itself as kind Of in.
stinet. 1t is seen among children when as
sembled to engage in their sport; perhaps in
" Some village Hampden, that with daunuess breast
| The little tyrant OF his fields withstOOd."


Some one assumes the command, and exer-
cses his gift to rule. 1t is seen among men.
Whenever they organize for any purpose


"sOme Cromwell, guiltloss of his country's blood"
becomes the leader, and exercises authority
and control. In some families the children
are in complete subjection to their parents,
and yet no special effort has been made to
govern them. The mother mas authority,
which is discovered in her eye, in the tones
of her voice, in her truthful words aud un-
changeable purposes. Under her manage
ment the habit of obedience is soon formed,
and cheerful obedience rendered.


In some schools Though these are the ex-
ception) the master has only to wave his
hand, or tap with his pencil upon the desk,
to restore perfect order. His very presence
is ruling power, which his pupils recognize
and obey. He has authority natural
aptness to govern. Lack of discipline in
the family and school, which has become SO
fearful an evil in our land, more often re-
suits from want of this native power than
from any other cause. PARENs.