71. Rhyme and Song.—If to the story is added the attractive appeal of rhythm, rhyme, and song the concrete materials of teaching become almost ideal. It is a good thing to conclude a well-told story with a short, simple poem and a song, both of which should relate to the same truth the story sets forth in the concrete. Through story, rhyme, and song the growing soul climbs most surely and securely to the lofty and illuminating vistas of God's universal laws. Maxims, precepts, proverbs, mottoes, laws, become meaningful and potential only when the soul moulds these mass motives of guidance from the plastic and suggestive data of a rich and varied contact with concrete experiences and things. "I am the vine," "I am the good shepherd," "I am the way," contain the very essence of all great method in the art of building a soul for the Kingdom of God and of service.
Test Questions
1. Give an illustration of a "concrete notion"?
2. What may be learned by the study of a boy's pocket?
3. By what means should we bring new thoughts to the pupil?
4. What are four tools at the teacher's disposal?
5. What constitutes a "good story"?
6. What appeal may well be added to the story?