10 Teaching Tips for Homeschool Parents

Click to Link to My video on drawing this dragonfly.

​I should preface this post by saying that I am a Licensed Art Educator. I have taught in public schools, private schools, public and private settings and allllll ages, from 2 or 3 up to probably 80 years of age. I love to teach, and feel called as a teacher and educator in the arts and herbal education. I put together a list of some simple things to consider if you are homeschooling or teaching in general. 

10 simple things to consider if you want to teach your own children, other other children in a formal or informal setting. 
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       1. Teach something ( a subject) you know really well. It’s almost like sharing if you teach something that comes naturally or like second nature.

         2.   Have a plan, and a back up plan. Whatever you plan to teach for the day, always bring something extra in case you run out of material, or you need just have circumstances that cause you to change directions. I would say the most common occurrence I have had is children who work fast, and need something to do, while other children are still working. So have a back up plan.

         3.   That being said- do not try to cram too much information into a short period of time. I go for quality rather than quantity. Try to teach a concept really well, versus trying to teach many concepts quickly.

           4.     Ask questions. When I teach, I usually say a few things, then ask questions, and then continue teaching. Children kind of space out when you just talk and talk and talk. I think adults do as well, for that matter. If you stop, pause and ask questions, you engage your audience in what they are learning. You also find out if they are understanding what you are saying.

           5.     Always always have the children (even older children) write their names on papers immediately.

         6.   Try to get to know a little bit about what children like. For example if they like Pokemon, figure out a little. You win kids over by being able to talk their language.

        7.  Keep the peace. If you have a child who is causing some disturbance. Just go over and talk to them quietly. “Hey what’s going on today?” Sometimes they may tell you something, like they need to go to the bathroom, or they may be upset over something. Maybe offer them a short rest. Sometimes this is all you need to do to get them back on track.

      8. Children like music and songs. If you have some little fun songs or learning tricks to remember information, children love to repeat with song.

           9.  Encourage. Some kids need more encouragement than others. “Good Job- and say their names.” I am poor at remembering names. I have kids make name tags in the beginning of a class, that helps me. They love to hear their name.

          10. Rotate around the room. This works especially if you have a larger group. But even with a small group, try to get to each student. Make your presence known to all.