Chapter 4: The Teacher and the Atmosphere

The role of the teacher or parent hinges on the nature of the relationship of authority between the adult and the children. An authoritarian teacher or parent acts out of their own anxiety and harms the atmosphere. An authoritative teacher, on the other hand, recognizes their authority as vested in the office given by a higher power. They can rest in their authority and peacefully lead children to do what is good and right in an atmosphere of joy, curiosity, exploration, learning, and peace.

Chapter 5: Masterly Inactivity

Masterly Inactivity is a peaceful presence held by a teacher that gently invites a child to strengthen their will to do as they ought – for example, to sit up correctly, or show kindness. Masterly Inactivity is not heavy-handed but is peaceful and natural. The wise teacher gently and easily preserves attention with love and joy and a light touch. This requires both mastery (authoritative skill) and inactivity (a peaceful presence).

Chapter 6: Aesthetics and Atmosphere

Cultivating a taste for the good, the true and the beautiful begins with setting the Atmosphere. Beautiful music, art on the walls, wooden furniture – they all play a part in fostering the aesthetic sense in a child and valuing the child as a person with great capacity. Children learn from adults around them what is good and beautiful; they respond to what is in the Atmosphere. Ambleside teachers take children’s minds seriously and cultivate those minds with a life-giving atmosphere and aesthetics.