ספר חסידים (מרגליות) סימן שח
חנוך לנער על פי דרכו (משלי כ"ב ו') אם תראה
שיצליח במקרא ולא בתלמוד אל תדחוק לו השעה ללמדו תלמוד ואם יבין תלמוד אל תדחוק אותו ללמדו מקרא במה שיודע תחנכהו
“Train up a child in the way the child should go,” the Book of Proverbs teaches. This means, if you see a child making progress in Bible studies, but not in Talmud, do not try to push the children by teaching Talmud, and if the child understands Talmud, do not push to learn Bible. Train a child in things that they know. [Translation by CAJE. Edited for gender neutrality]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. Why should we teach children in accordance with the topics in which they excel?
2. Is this a positive educational model?
3. Are there any subjects that all students should have to study, regardless of their specific talents?
Time Period: Medieval (Geonim through the 16th Century)