This month's “teaching tip” will also deal with planning, but also room organization. Once again, we will be focusing on why you, as the teacher, are doing what you are doing. We will consider not only the issue of academic/class planning – but your room plan also.

When you begin your class for the day, do you have a Double Plan in effect? In other words, do you have a plan for both the students and you – what will you both be doing during a lesson? Granted, the purpose of the class time is to instruct your students, but an organized teacher should have an idea of what, specifically, they will be doing while the children are working. Will you be lecturing, explaining, examining seat work completed by students, grading or?...

Again, what are you doing and why?

Room Plan is our next concept to consider. Granted, you are a homeschool teacher thus, when it is all said and done, you will only have so much room in your home to arrange a teaching space not to mention so many resources available. Nonetheless, in as much as it is possible, determine the reason your school work area is laid out the way it is, and why.

To be considered also, is not only the students and where they will sit, but equally where will you be located during the length of your class time with the students? Will you be sitting, standing, or moving around the room? When you are not moving around the school room – where will you be?...

Lastly, and like the Room Plan noted above, what do you have as wall decorations? Why? Do you have permanent wall decorations that are moveable ones that can changed per the subject being taught?

To be sure, the homeschool teaching space may be in a kitchen or dining room, thus you are less likely to be hanging teaching materials on the walls for obvious reasons. Nonetheless, similar to your Room Plan, if it is possible for you to decorate your teaching space in a thoughtful, thought-provoking manner for your students – the stimuli will be good for them!

Happy Teaching!