Again, each life is immeasurably influenced by its environment. No teacher can understand a pupil without knowing what has entered into his life. "I am a part of all that I have met." The home and the daily surroundings are the explanation of what the pupil is and an index to what he needs. This specific knowledge can come only through close personal observation and sympathetic intimacy with the pupil. In this intimacy is revealed the pathway to the heart, as it winds through ambitions and interests and love. Unless the teacher find this path to the tender, responsive place whose gateway each soul keeps for itself, the seed must fall on the stony ground where germination is impossible.
Test Questions
1. Since laws of life are known, what two conclusions follow?
2. Give four reasons why the Sunday-school teacher should know the pupil.
3. What twofold knowledge about the pupil should the teacher have?
4. How has the Sunday-school recognized the changing life of the pupil?
5. Give three characteristics of development.
6. How may specific knowledge of the pupil be gained by the teacher?