Three Character Classics (三字经）

This week, we are focusing on the three paragraph of the Three Character Classics and it is rather timely as we have just completed our bible-study about "Parental Discipline" and now working on "Diligence" and this paragraph complement the bible-studies and our learning.

It is not easy for a 5years old to understand why we are really strict with him and why he needs to study and work on his practice books daily. But as parents, we have to instill in him self-discipline and good habits that will follow him the rest of his life. We make it a point to explain to him and also the Three Character Classics is a good source to use to teach him besides the bible.

And so far, we have seen him following his schedule for learning even though we still provide him alot of them out in the yard and also to play. We have shared with him that there is a time for everything and that we agreed that he needs time to play, relax and he also needs time to learn to enrich himself. And for a boy, he also has his share of being mischievous and playfulness. We have to remind ourselves that our job as parents is to instill in him the self-discipline and motivation to learn and at the same time provide him opportunity for growth in different areas.

We are taking time this week to focus on this paragraph and explaining and making sure that Kai understand the implication of this passage.






Click to see English Translation

It is not enough for the father to feed the family, he must also teach his children.
(It is not only the father's job to provide food, shelter and material needs for his family, it is more importantly for him to teach his children, it is the father's fault if they do not learnt.)

A teacher who does not teach severely and strictly is being lazy.
(A teacher has to instill discipline in the child and to teach with seriousness making sure the children learn, if he is laxed and the child does not learn, it is his laziness.)

It is not right and improper for a child not to learn and study.
(Opportunities must be given the child to learn and provide aid and help along the way to help the child in his learning journey. It is not right to let the child choose what he desires without proper instructions and training.)

If a child does not learn when he is young, what will become of him when he is old?
(Not teaching and training the child from young, the child will not be able to achieve his potentials and talents, he will not be useful to the society.)