(4) _A conflicting home atmosphere._ When the child absorbs influences that lack Jesus Christ during seven days in the week, only a teacher filled with Divine life and power can effect counter-conditions more powerful in the brief time of her contact. #10. Results to be Expected in the Beginners Age.#--Summing up the results already suggested, the work in the Beginners department will make its impress upon the feelings of the child, primarily. He will have learned some truths about the Heavenly Father, and his Son Jesus Christ, and there is an intellectual value in these. But this value cannot compare with that of the love and trust which come unconsciously, yet really, into his soul, if the teacher has done her work with God. Test Questions 1. In what two ways may life be touched? 2. Give illustrations of what is known as "unconscious influence." 3. What methods accomplish more than precepts with Beginners? 4. What spiritual truths can be taught in this period? 5. Name four needs of the Beginners Age. 6. What is meant by "atmosphere"? How utilized? 7. How may the child's activity be given the right direction? 8. Name four difficulties in the Beginners period. 9. How may restlessness be overcome? 10. What special care is needed in the teacher's choice of words? 11. What are some of the results to be expected in the Beginners Age? Lesson 4 The Primary Age--Six to Nine #11. General Characteristics of the Primary Age.#--The Beginner is easily traced in the Primary child, but more developed and stronger. Two general characteristics may be specially mentioned: (1) _Broader interests._ Curiosity is increasingly active concerning things with which the senses come in contact, yet the child in the Primary period is able to reach beyond that which he can see or handle. He cares nothing for abstractions like missions, or patriotism, or temperance, but his interest is genuine in the people and actions back of the abstraction. It is a law of the soul that interest in a certain thing will extend to other things related to it. This makes it possible for the teacher to take the child far into the field of knowledge, provided the starting-point be something in which the child is naturally interested. (2) _Greater mental power._ While the child does not reason as an adult, he enjoys thinking for himself. The Primary teacher who gives him predigested lessons, tells him everything in the picture, asks no questions, and does not lead him on to arrive at any conclusions for himself, not only fails to obtain results that are possible, but really retards the child's development. Personal effort must precede increase of strength in soul as well as body. #12. Special Characteristics of the Primary Age.#