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"True education means more than the persual of a certain course of study. It means more than a preparation for the life that now is. it has to do with the whole being, and with the whole period of existence possible to man. it is the harmonious development of the physical, the mental, & the spiritual powers. it prepares the student for the joys of service in this world, and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come."
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As an Adventist literature teacher, I consider my literary choices carefully, realizing that the readings I promote within the walls of my classroom have a great impact on students. I feel that it is important to take the time to outline the philosophy that guides my decisions for parents.
According to Ellen G. White the Bible is “the book of all books…” (Education 126). She adds that “every topic has a new significance” (Education 125) when it is viewed through a biblical lens. This is the overarching philosophy in each of my classes. The Bible is taught in my classroom, both directly and indirectly, on a daily basis. Bible stories are routinely used in comparison to the secular works that we study in class. In fact, in my classroom stories from the Bible are studied and taught alongside the secular works that we examine.
In addition, the Bible is the lens through which all events and characters are analyzed and discussed. You will find that I teach a diverse selection of literature dealing with themes like prejudice, gossip, judgment, and trauma—themes that clearly illustrate the many ways that the great controversy has been knit into the human experience. These works serve as a springboard into classroom discussions that center on the ways that Christ has given humanity a new hope—a hope that is sometimes absent within the works studied. I believe that students can be led to Christ not only by reading of Him, but by seeing examples of what a life led without Him entails. Because of this belief, I do not seek to teach only Adventist works. As George Knight explains in the Journal of Adventist Education, “The teaching of any topic in an Adventist school…is a radical reorientation of that topic within the philosophical framework of Christianity” (44). This is my goal within each of my literature courses.
While I do use secular literature within my classes, I exclude any literature that includes glorification of negative behavior, works that contain any elements of the occult, and graphic sexuality or violence. If at any time you have a concern over the literature that is being taught, please contact me immediately. It is my goal that each student would grow into a closer relationship with Christ as a result of taking my courses.
I have linked a couple of documents below that I feel adequately support my literary choices within the classroom. If you would like to read further, please take a look. If you have any concerns about the literature that your child will be reading in class, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Blessings,
Mrs. Stout
According to Ellen G. White the Bible is “the book of all books…” (Education 126). She adds that “every topic has a new significance” (Education 125) when it is viewed through a biblical lens. This is the overarching philosophy in each of my classes. The Bible is taught in my classroom, both directly and indirectly, on a daily basis. Bible stories are routinely used in comparison to the secular works that we study in class. In fact, in my classroom stories from the Bible are studied and taught alongside the secular works that we examine.
In addition, the Bible is the lens through which all events and characters are analyzed and discussed. You will find that I teach a diverse selection of literature dealing with themes like prejudice, gossip, judgment, and trauma—themes that clearly illustrate the many ways that the great controversy has been knit into the human experience. These works serve as a springboard into classroom discussions that center on the ways that Christ has given humanity a new hope—a hope that is sometimes absent within the works studied. I believe that students can be led to Christ not only by reading of Him, but by seeing examples of what a life led without Him entails. Because of this belief, I do not seek to teach only Adventist works. As George Knight explains in the Journal of Adventist Education, “The teaching of any topic in an Adventist school…is a radical reorientation of that topic within the philosophical framework of Christianity” (44). This is my goal within each of my literature courses.
While I do use secular literature within my classes, I exclude any literature that includes glorification of negative behavior, works that contain any elements of the occult, and graphic sexuality or violence. If at any time you have a concern over the literature that is being taught, please contact me immediately. It is my goal that each student would grow into a closer relationship with Christ as a result of taking my courses.
I have linked a couple of documents below that I feel adequately support my literary choices within the classroom. If you would like to read further, please take a look. If you have any concerns about the literature that your child will be reading in class, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Blessings,
Mrs. Stout