Shlomo ha Melech said that we must "train a youth according to his way (Chanoch la-na'ar al pi darko)." Rabbi S.R. Hirsch comments on this, saying that we must instruct a student according to the way he learns best. (The Art of Teaching, Elaine Rubinoff)

"The world of the children is not an independent world. It is a part of the overall life of the community. When the child learns how to sit he is sitting around older people. Kids sit with adults --not just when they eat at home-- but also at happy occasions. From here we can see-- from the beginning of his very first steps-- a child observes all the customs and manners by seeing and being part of everything. This (emulation) is learned by how others eat, sit, and discipline. Because of that, his (the child's) education becomes his nature. When the father goes to be a guest.. he takes his kids with him. Before he leaves, he tells them how to behave before the others. He tells him not to forget the rest of the people (around him). But what about the girls? The daughter is stuck like a shadow to her Mom. She learns all the mannerisms from her Mom."  About both girl and boy--there is almost no separation between youngsters and the older people. Because of the respect for the elderly and their behavior, youngsters are accepting to the traditions without any argument or question. They try to be like the elders in everything. Since everyone has the same rules and manners .. there is a peace between young and old."  (Halichoth Teman - "The way of educating children", Rav Yosph QafaH zs'l)

The Vilna Gaon explains Shlomo ha Melech's words by stating "Train him to do the mitzvos by working with his characteristics and nature and then even when he grows old he will not turn away from your training" (Brisk, Educating Our Children)

Rav Lichtenstein's words (Bar Ilan site):

"Unfortunately, however, today we hear from certain directions - sometimes even from within the Torah world - a provocation, which is not only educational-pedagogic, but idealogical, substantial, value-oriented, in the sense that the Sages said with regard to the definition of a epikoros (non-believer) "like those who say ‘of what value to us are the Rabbis?’"(Sanhedrin 99b). In the question "what does it do for us?" "what does it give us?" The focal point is we. What value, what spirituality do we get from it? With regard to this provocation a learner of Torah must protest. And I protest! If a person approaches his learning not from an egocentric but a theocentric viewpoint (placing God in the center), and does not notice all that is whispered in his ear "you should be under stress and hardship!", if one is open to the word of God, he will also find the existential connection and all it entails."

"The educator must have the conviction that his work is vitally connected to the soul. The task of the educator is to teach the child how to live, and the destiny of the student depends upon the education he has received-- it constitutes the grounds of his life and being, and this is entrusted to the teacher" (Rabbi Mordechai I. Hodakov, The Educator's Handbook)

The RMb"M stresses our vulnerability to environmental influence, for we gradually adopt local practices (RMb"M, Mishneh Torah. Hilchos Dei'os 6:1)

The eleven responsibilities of a teacher are: "to teach information, teach social skills, be supportive and encouraging, teach Yiras Shamayim, teach middot, train students to think, build self esteem, teach life skills, maintain discipline, be an authority figure, and to be a role model." (The Art of Teaching, Elaine Rubinoff)

"Let your student's honor be as dear to you as your own" (Avot 4:12)

When discussing the "ideal teacher", Rabbi Hillel Brisk, author of Educating our Children; Torah Concepts for Teachers and Parents, emphasizes the importance of being an appropriate role model from whom a student can learn mitvos, good character traits, and hashkafot that are stressed in the Torah.

The sages tell us that a person should study subjects which he finds pleasurable. (Avodah Zorah 19a)

"The relationship between the teacher and his colleagues, even outside the walls of the classroom, should be mutually dignified and respectful. In fact, because students are so impressionable, this relationship may actually affect the quality of their education." (Rabbi Mordechai I. Hodakov, The Educator's Handbook)

RaShY tells us that when the Torah says to "take" a person, it refers to convincing him "with beautiful words!" (Ber 2:15)

While speaking at a Torah U'Mesorah convention, Rabbi Pasach Krohn, explained the Pasuk "Chanoch la-na'ar al pi darko," by noting that in Mishlei the word "chanoch" is written without a vav. According to Rabbi Krohn, the vav is missing to teach us that "it is no big deal to be a teacher to a child who learns well... like a human sponge... You know when chinuch really occurs? When there is something missing. When the child really doesn't understand it the first time. When the child needs more time." He advises teachers and parents to spend more time and have more patience with students who need it. (The Art of Teaching, Elaine Rubinoff)

"When a child feels that his parents' expectations, advice, and direction reflect their best interest, rather than his, parent-child communication suffers severely, and far more than discipline is lost."  (Rabbi Noach Orlowek)

"The vocation of the teacher is the quintessential expression of ahavat Yisrael. In fact, that this sentiment exists is the strongest argument for one's choosing to be a melamed, in order to have the possibility of bringing one's students closer to Yehaduth. Hence, ahavat Yisroel is a fundamental principle in Chinuch" (Rabbi Mordechai I. Hodakov, The Educator's Handbook)

Suggestions from the Educator's Handbook:

• The Gemora warns against breaking promises to children. (Succah 46b / Rabbi Noach Orlowek)
• During lunch times, nigunim should be played, alternating with simple halachot or brief sayings of Torah Wisdom.
• Teachers should make sure that the students recite Birkat HaMazon. We fully expect them to know the meaning of these verses too.
• It is good for a child to give charity every day."
• The children should be encouraged to learn by heart various sections in Chumash and TaNach, (such as Az Yashir, mishnayot, Pirke Avot, sayings of Chazal, halachot, and so on)-- This applies across all age groups and academic levels.

Not to be taken out of context... "The Mishnah says: 'Let the fear of your teacher be like your fear of Heaven.' " (Avot 4:12)

Yosef A. Levi / Jerusalem College of Technology - Machon Lev:

"A common error in education is the attempt to standardize methods and goals of education.  This tendency stems from seeing all pupils as having the same learning needs and the necessity to grade and supervise pedagogical progress.  A notable relatively recent example is the Madelaine Hunter method instituted in the US during the past decades. By creating a uniform teaching procedure, Hunter effectively ruled out an individual approach tailored to the child's traits.  Today, education officials know that such a uniform approach will not work.  Both teacher and pupil need flexibility in their interaction.

According to Rabbi S.R. Hirsch this same error occurred in the education of Jacob and Esau.  Isaac and Rebecca sat their not-so-identical twins on the same "yeshiva bench," trying to instill into them Torah learning and thought.  The fact that what was ideal for Jacob was unsuitable for Esau was not noticed.  King Solomon advises us "Train up the lad according to his course, even when he grows old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22, 6).  The results of this unfortunately too common oversight were so tragic that our sages felt it important to hint at the surprise when the difference between the youths was finally noticed-when it was too late to correct."

"A child's character education should take priority over his academic education. All education efforts are basically meaningless unless built on solid foundation of good character." --The Lubavitcher Rebbe

Recommended books about Educating Jewish Children

• Educating Our Children (H/C)  www.eichlers.com
• Halachoth of Educating Children (H/C) www.eichlers.com
• The Educator's Handbook, Rabbi Mordechai I. Hodakov, 
• (The Art of Teaching, Elaine Rubinoff)