Christian teachers share with parents training God’s covenant children. Because the joys that accompany the task of the school is an extension of the home the Christian teacher seek to continue what the parents have begun. The kindergarten teacher is particularly privileged to receive the child at an age when he is very impressionable and eager to learn. She lays the foundation stones for the school years that follow. The attitudes toward school that are begun in early life can set the pattern for future years.
The arrival and passing of each season gives opportunity to point out our Heavenly Father’s providential care for all His creatures. In winter many of the trees and plants rest prior to a new season of growth and production. Some animals experience a time of lessened activity or go into hibernation. “Oh Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all.” Psalm 104, verse 24.
The first snowfall of the season is a delight to every small child. When God sends pure whiteness to cover the landscape, the Christian teacher can use the occasion to present the truth that God covers the blackness of our sin and makes us white and pure in His sight because of the sacrifice of His Son. She helps the students observe individual snowflakes, calling attention to their beauty and design. It’s a joy to see the wonder in children’s eyes when they are told that
God has given each snowflake its own pattern. We follow this with the experience of cutting six-pointed snowflakes from folded paper. As each child opens his paper after having cut out small pieces from the edges, the teacher sees a smile of satisfaction and surprise spread across each face. We compare our paper snowflakes and find each one is different from the other. “Just so,” we tell them, “God makes the many people in His great world so that no two are alike. He not only has made us, He cares for each one individually. He even knows the number of hairs we have on our head.” What a great God we have!
Winter’s cold means teaching proper care of our bodies by wearing clothing suited to the weather. We ask, “But how does God protect animals from the cold?” He causes them to grow warmer coats of hair. The ground and plants receive a “blanket” of snow for protection.
When the kindergarten teacher helps a child with an uncooperative zipper on his coat, she may use the occasion to show the apprehensive child that the teacher loves him and tries to understand his needs. She may use kind words of assurance or ask questions about his family to divert his thoughts. While tying the strings of a rowdy child’s hood there may be opportunity to ask whether he remembers the rules for being kind by taking turns on the slide. The request for help with a tight boot may be just the moment to reinforce the consonant sound of the letter “b” by asking, “I wonder what letter is at the beginning of the word “boot”? The Christian teacher knows that God would have her use every opportunity to aid the development of the minds and lives of His little ones.
The teacher is happy to see the children’s rosy cheeks as they come in from their play in the cold air. She uses the classroom prayer to give thanks to our Father in heaven Who gives strong, healthy bodies for work and play, sound minds for thinking and studying, and abundantly supplies our needs for food and warm clothing.
In spite of many joys, the teacher is also aware of her many shortcomings. Again and again she turns to God in prayer to ask for guidance in doing the work to which she feels God has called her. The rich promises of His Word also assure her. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:58