An exceptional educator
St. John Bosco was an exceptional educator. His acute intelligence, common sense and profound spirituality led him to create a system of education that develops the whole person – body, heart, mind and spirit. It enhances growth and freedom while putting the child at the centre of the whole educational enterprise.
To distinguish his method from the repressive system of education prevalent in 19th century Italy, he called his own method the ‘preventive’ system – because it seeks to prevent the need for punishment by placing the child in an environment in which he/she is encouraged to be the best one can be. It is a congenial, friendly and holistic approach to education.
It creates a climate that ‘draws forth’ (educere) the best in the child, that encourages the child’s complete and fullest self-expression, that assists young people in acquiring habits that will lead them to opt in favour of what is good, healthy, joyful and life-enhancing.
Reason
This word includes the original Christian humanistic view of individual value, conscience, human nature, culture, field of work, and social life
The system is not the target! Rather, the goal is for the child or young person to understand why the system is useful and important to the meaning of perseverance and other lofty human qualities
Repetition of alert, non-use of punishment, non-humiliation and public alert, but retribution is what we are making retribution (a strict look that does its act more than hitting, praising when the good result and blame when default is a reward or a penalty in themselves
Avoid sending the alert if it is caused by emotion or anger and postpone it until the appropriate time.
Religion
The goal of this system is to make young people “good Christians and honest citizens.” It is a living faith rooted in presence, participation, listening, grace, and the foundations of the educational method based on the mysteries of repentance, the Eucharist, the honor of the Virgin Mary, and the love of the Church and her pastors.
This method is also valid for non-Christians.
Fondness
Education runs from the heart, requiring the complete departure of the youth’s good and attendance among them and the willingness to accept all the sacrifices to fulfill its mission, The full time for youth and deep sympathy for them and the dialogue and permanent readiness, participation in the life of the youth and attention to their problems and trying to understand their view of things, and take the position of a mature and responsible friend who opens up to them New perspectives and goals
In addition to the constant readiness to explain problems and guide the best standards with assertiveness, caution and love, kindness with joy, supervision that does not cripple movement, and participation in play
Briefly .. an educational presence “as a father, brother and friend”