From Luther to Today: Basic Concepts Essential to Good Education Practices

As They Relate to Teachers

• Teachers should love and respect all children, have high expectations for them, and teach them to their highest capacities.
• Teachers should be dedicated to the teaching profession.
• Good teaching is based on a theory, a philosophy, goals, and objectives.
• Children’s learning is enhanced through the use of concrete materials.
• Teaching should move from the concrete to the abstract.
• Observation is a key way to determine children’s needs.
• Teaching should be a planned, systematic process.
• Teaching should be centered on children rather than adults or subjects.
• Teaching should be based on children’s interests.
• Teaching should collaborate with children as a means of promoting development.
• Teachers should plan so they incorporate all types of intelligence in their planning and activities.

As They Relate to Parents

• The family is the most important institution in children’s education and development. The family lays the foundation for all future education and learning.
• Parents are their children’s primary educators; they are their children’s first teachers. However, parents need help, education, and support to achieve this goal.
• Parents must guide and direct young children’s learning.
• Parents should be involved in every educational program their children are involved in.
• Everyone should have knowledge of and training for child rearing.
• Parents and other family members are collaborators in children’s learning.
• Parents must encourage and support their children’s many interests and their unique ways of learning.