We tell children things in the clearest words at our command. They say the words back to us and we are satisfied that they have learned something. We think that because they have the words they have the idea. A little investigation will show that very often the words are all they have, the sounds, and nothing whatever of the idea.

So, whenever you teach a child something new, be sure to tie the stranger to an old familiar friend. If that does not seem possible, use pictures and drawings and illustrations until the child has a group of related ideas concerning this new idea. Then let him talk it back, making his meaning clear by word and gesture and drawing.

Beware the empty word!

--Angelo Patri