In the Primary Grade a great effort should be made by the teachers to
secure a personal acquaintance with the mothers of the children. If
possible call at their homes and thereby learn something of their home
life, always making a memorandum of such things as impress the teacher
as having an influence upon the character of the scholar.
A Saturday afternoon reception for the mothers, who, if possible, are to
bring their children, is an excellent method. It should be very
informal.
Avoid in this grade, as in all others, the idea of paying scholars by
prizes, or in any other way, for efforts made to learn or do what is
right, but always keep before them the idea that they are to do well
because it is right. This gives the little ones a self-respect which is
powerful in its influence.
In making promotions from one grade to another it is not best to have
ironclad rules. If a class is to be promoted it is not best to leave one
or more out because they have not quite reached the age required.
Neither is it wise to insist upon a scholar being promoted because he
has reached the proper age, unless he is willing to leave the class he
is in.
Promotion may be made once or twice a year. I think once is best, and
then it should be at a special service in which all the school should
take part.
If a teacher is a misfit in a class the time for promotions is the time
to put that teacher where he can work without friction, without giving
any publicity to the change. It is also an excellent time to place a
scholar not easily controlled with a teacher who is especially fitted to
handle him. The scholar should never know why the change was made.
Every Sunday school should have a Normal Class. Courses of study have
been prepared which can be handled by any good teacher or pastor who
will make an effort. This course will give not only teachers but
scholars an exalted idea of the Bible as a book, and prepare them to
expound the lessons as they could not without such a course of study. If
there is not a class individuals may take the course alone and pass
examinations, which will entitle them to the diploma of some of the
Sunday school assemblies.
Many superintendents say they cannot grade their schools because they
have not separate rooms for the departments. It is desirable to have
separate rooms, but if you do not have them you should grade the school,
putting each grade by itself in some part of the room, if you have but
the one. An aisle or a curtain may be the dividing line. Most excellent
results have been realized where the whole school was in one room.
The Home Department is for the benefit of persons who cannot attend
Sunday school. The conditions upon which membership is secured are that
they shall study the lesson for the day one half hour on the Sabbath;
all members to report quarterly whether they have kept the pledge. Those
who join this department are members of the school and entitled to all
its privileges, such as lesson helps, the use of library, and all other
things that other members enjoy. This department should include persons
who are distant from the school, the aged, the sick, and may include
persons who reside hundreds of miles away, especially those who have
been members of the school in other days. This department should have a
superintendent who will give it attention and look after all who become
members.