AMISH EDUCATION

Amish believe modern or AEnglish@ culture threatens the sanctity of their traditional values. They adhere to the Bible=s teachings and its lessons. They prefer to mold a young child=s mind and world view without distractions caused by mingling with modern society. They expect to be able to educate their children without the distractions and with the curriculum they find useful for their way of life.

Often, Amish are mistakenly viewed as being against education. In fact, Amish are not against education, but they want to structure it so it is conducive with their lifestyle. They want children to learn basics of reading, writing and arithmetic with a minimum of Aworldly@ influences. They believe life experience is a better lesson than higher education.

This means an education that does not proceed beyond the eighth grade. They feel higher education comes at a crucial time in a child=s religious development. It should also be noted that the Amish do pay public school taxes as well as building and maintaining their own elementary one-room private school staffed with Amish teachers.

This method and approach to education might be difficult for non-Amish people to understand. However, you have to consider that an expanded outlook is not a virtue to the Amish. But carrying on the revered traditions to the younger generation is moral because it protects their values.

Intelligencer Journal

Sunday, 21/12/97

QUESTIONS

1. Match the following words to the definitions (2 points).

Threaten (1)                                                                

Staff (11)      

Approach (13)

Outlook (14)

_______________: To come close in time or place.

_______________: Your general attitude towards life.

_______________: Someone or something that is likely to harm or destroy.

_______________: People who work for an institution.

 

2. Answer the following questions (1.5 points).

a. What do Amish people base their beliefs on?

b. What is the Amish opinion about education?

c. What do Amish people think about experience?

 

3. Put the following sentences into the passive (1.5 points).

a. Acid rain is destroying the forests of Germany.