"HOW shall I teach the children to love, understand, and apply the truth as revealed in Christian Science? How shall I appeal to their interest and banish restlessness and inattention?" These and many other questions are asked by the Christian Scientist when he undertakes the work of teaching in Sunday School.
One who has had no previous experience in teaching is often troubled by distrust of his ability. Also, his class may include both those who know little about Christian Science and those who have known nothing but the teaching of this Science. Another problem is presented by lovable, socially inclined children who are bursting with things of interest to tell their neighbor or the teacher which in no way relate to the subject at hand.
Fundamentally, teaching is the removal of misconceptions, or it is the replacing of ignorance with knowledge. The word "educate" comes from educere meaning "to lead forth." What our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, tells us in regard to authorized teachers of Christian Science may be applied to those teaching in the Sunday School (Miscellaneous Writings, pp. 92, 93): "That teacher does most for his students who most divests himself of pride and self, spiritualizes his own thought, and by reason thereof is able to empty his students' minds, that they may be filled with Truth." To know that Truth is ever unfolding, rather than to turn for guidance to another's experience in teaching, brings inspiration and freshness into one's work. One whose thought is humble and willing to wait on God for guidance will find the way open before him and the answer to every question that may present itself.
