Turning Lessons into Life: Teaching styles that can be applied beyond the classroom

Teachers do more than just dump information into the brains of children. They are the role models for the next generation, and it’s not just what they teach that affects our children, it’s also the way they teach it. As such, it is important to consider how these methods of teaching can affect our children going into the future. Even if they do not become teachers themselves, different styles of teaching contain lessons whose value extends far beyond the classroom. Our children will inevitably learn from these experiences and will hopefully absorb these methods into their own being, so let’s take a look at teaching styles and some lessons we can learn from them. 

Authority

While this lecture method may involve minimal student participation, it is a common form of teaching all students should learn to adapt to, especially in this age of virtual learning where participation is often already minimized. This authority style harnesses the power of words, displaying the importance they have in developing young minds. We know from the creation story in Genesis how powerful words can be as they help shape reality, and as students watch their teachers explain concepts to broaden their understanding they can begin learning the significant role words play. Being able to formulate ideas in your own words is empowering, and if students can grasp the importance of oral communication, it will benefit them in almost every aspect of their life.

Demonstrator

Principal Castro walks his students through an SEL lesson by inviting discussion and feedback during the class.

This teaching method relies on showing students the topics they are learning about, often requiring the teacher to exemplify the lesson. Sometimes people need to see things lived out. The people of Israel were given God’s law back in Moses’ time, but it wasn’t until people were given the example in Jesus that the law was brought to life (Mat. 5:17). Students can learn through this method the importance of being an example to others. It’s not enough to just talk the talk, they have to be able to demonstrate what it is they know. 

Facilitator

In this method there exists more interaction between the teacher and the student, as the teacher comes alongside the student allowing for more dialogue and participation in the lesson. The teacher connects with the students to meet them where they are at and coaches them through the learning process. The students should learn to appreciate the understanding which comes on the other side of doing, especially under the safety and supervision of an experienced instructor. 

Delegator

Teachers who use the delegating style often organize group projects that allow more freedom for the students to speak, this may be in the form of debates or class discussions. It allows the activities the teacher plans to be enacted by the students in order to produce bigger results. This style requires management techniques which enable the teacher’s goal of learning to be accomplished through the participation of the students. The students get to witness the teacher delegate tasks to them allowing more learning to take place as the instructor gets the students to cooperate and fulfill their responsibilities.  

Hybrid

This method is exactly what it sounds like: a mixture of more than one. As students watch their teachers utilize various teaching methods to illuminate their minds, they learn there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to life. We need to holistically develop students in order for them to become the adults who can adapt to the ever-changing world, combining techniques to overcome challenges and meet goals. 

Ms. Voight spends time connecting with one of her upper elementary students during a morning break.

This is why the multi-faceted responsibilities of teachers are so vital, because when it comes to educating our children, it is not just what they teach that matters, but also how they teach. Through these styles of teaching, students can learn the power of words, the importance of setting an example, how to connect and meet people where they are at, management skills, and  how to use these lessons in tandem. Teaching styles hold lessons which go beyond the walls of the school, as they develop skills which will prepare the students for the future by teaching them how to navigate the complexities of life.  

Sources: 

Larson, James. “5 Common Teaching Styles - How Effective Are They?” ATutor.com (visited 18 April 2022).

https://atutor.ca/teaching-styles/ 

“Effective Teaching Styles: 5 Ways To Be A Great Teacher” CueMath.com (visited 18 April 2022)

https://www.cuemath.com/learn/teaching-styles/

5 Ways To Help Students Be Their Best: How parents can help their kids succeed at school

Every parent wants their child to succeed at school, but this isn’t as easy as it may seem. After all, you aren’t in the classroom with your child, so how can you ensure they are going to succeed? Here are some tips to help you think through ways you can mold your child into being the best student they can be from outside the classroom. 

1. Help Improve Their Self-Awareness. 

At the Academy, parents are invited onto campus for formal events and teacher meetings throughout the school year. These visits are valuable to the parent’s involvement in the student’s school experience and relationship with their teacher.

If you don’t have a chance to be actively involved in the school’s PTO or other volunteer programs, make sure to talk with your child about the in’s and out’s of their school life. Who’s their favorite teacher? Why do they like the kids they hang out with and what role do they play in their circle of friends? What subjects do they enjoy, and which ones do they struggle with? This will help you help your child, by asking more focused questions that can help them better process their experiences. School can bring out a lot of insecurities in a child, and not every child is gifted with the intrapersonal skills to make sense of it all on their own. Asking personal questions and helping them talk through their thoughts and feelings can hopefully bring them some clarity concerning how they think about certain situations. Elementary aged students may be more prone to being open and vulnerable than middle school or high schoolers, but it’s never too late to start. Share with them ways that you’ve seen them change, and how they are growing. Self-awareness will help make them be their best as they will know how to better approach situations based on how they know themselves.  

2. Give Them Opportunities to Explore

Part of students learning about themselves involves exploring new interests and figuring out what types of things they are good at or enjoy.  Every child is different. What may be the most boring thing in the world to one child, may be seen as wildly interesting to another. Providing strong emotional support will help students be more willing to try new things, as it builds confidence knowing that they will still be loved and supported even if they fail. It will give them the encouragement they need to further explore certain interests which can help build self-confidence as they begin learning more about themselves. This shapes their mindset and can help them develop as a student. 

3. Develop their Strengths

When you see a child has a knack for a skill, provide opportunities for them to develop it. If they are athletic, try to get them on a sports team, or if they are musically inclined, enroll them in a music camp. Encourage them to find ways in which they can enhance the natural skills they have. As they develop these talents, they are also developing their minds as they learn the ins and outs of a skill. This not only boosts their confidence, but will help shape the way they view themselves. They will be more okay with their weaknesses knowing that they have strengths.  

Parent-teacher meetings are welcome and encouraged at the Academy. Our teachers invest into a partnership with the students and parents in order for the student to have a successful learning experience.

4. Overcome their Weaknesses

Everyone has weaknesses and the sooner they are addressed, the sooner they can be caught up to speed with others. While no child is going to want a tutor, if they are falling behind in a certain subject then it may be an appropriate way to help them succeed. However, before hiring a professional tutor, you may want to try other options first. While children may react differently when their parents try to teach them, if you can find the time you may be able to tutor them yourself. If not, see if there are friends who are skilled in that subject who could tutor them. Other options may be hosting some of their classmates for a group study session. By opening your home to allow students to work on group projects or study for upcoming tests, you are encouraging both healthy academic and social practices. Getting students to be comfortable having weaknesses and being willing to face them head on is beneficial both in and out of the classroom. 

5. Challenge Them

Another way to help your student become the best they can be is by making sure they are challenged. This doesn’t just have to be in a purely academic sense, but by getting them out of their comfort zone and participating in activities they would rather avoid, it can stretch their familiarity, expanding their willingness to try things they would otherwise shy away from. When this attitude is applied to their academics, it helps students approach new topics with greater optimism even if it is in a subject they are weak in or unfamiliar with. 

How To Teach Reading To Younger Kids

You may not be a teacher, but something as crucial as literacy should not be left as the sole responsibility of any one person. The more ways we know how to teach reading to younger kids, the more we can aid in their educational development. Whether it is your own kid or someone else’s, everyone benefits from investing into the next generation. So, here are some tips when helping those little ones learn how to read:

Have Patience. 

The first rule is obvious: have patience. If a child is scared of being wrong due to an overly strict teacher, they won’t try, and if they won’t try, they won’t learn how to progress. Don’t forget, English is no simple language. Even learning the word “patience” requires patience, because why in heaven’s name is the letter ‘t’ making a ‘sh’ sound? And why do we need a ‘c’ in the word, when we could just use the letter ‘s’? These young students must learn rules only to find out those rules are often broken. So remember to bear with them as they learn, because it is no easy task. 

Practice, Practice, Practice

Repetition is the key to retention. If a child only practices reading once a week, it may take them even longer than seven times the amount of time a kid who practices everyday may need. This is because the once a week practice will spend a good portion of time simply reviewing what they learned previously, whereas daily practice makes it easier for a child to remember and quickly build off of what they learned.

Assessments

Be aware of where a child is at in their reading journey. This will help you to know the next step they need to be taking, or if they need to pause and spend more time focusing on what they’ve already learned. Can they identify all the letters and their sounds? Can they pronounce C-V and C-V-C combinations? Do they know vowel combination rules? Do they understand the words they read? How many words can they read in a minute? The smaller and more specific each step is, the more you know exactly where your child is at, and exactly what you need to teach them next. So make sure to assess them as this will allow you to better organize their reading journey allowing them to progress faster. 

Make it Fun

If a child does not enjoy reading, there will be no desire to learn. They likely won’t understand how important it is for their future, so you may have to persuade them by having them read about a topic they enjoy. This may mean letting them choose the book or you could write a quick story utilizing some of their favorite cartoon characters. 

Don’t Stress

While it is important your child learns to read, don’t forget every student has different strengths. Some children learn faster than others, so don’t be anxious if your child is learning a bit slow. Although some kids could benefit from some extra attention or tutoring in this area, once a child learns to read, they should be able to catch up with their peers.  

Exercises and Activities

If your child is at the stage where they are learning to read, try out some of these activities to help them develop their sense of words and language. 

• Have them circle, box, or underline specific site words in a newspaper article

• Read to a child and occasionally pause to let them read the words they know how to read. 

• Have them follow along in a book while everyone takes turns reading aloud

• Have them try to write a simple story

• “Bring me something that starts with the letter _” Game

• Give them a picture or comic they must write a caption for

• Spelling quizzes with scrabble letters or spelling words out of playdough 

• Charades or pictionary where they must write down what others are acting out or drawing

• Have them make sticky note labels for as many things in their room as they can

• Teach them words on common signs or brand logos they are familiar with

• Re-read the same stories multiple times, to help them better remember certain words

• Play word game apps on a mobile device or computer. 

• Watch shows like Alphablocks  or Between the Lions

• Download reading apps on your mobile device

• “What’s the Missing Letter?” Word Game 

• Write letters in chalk in the driveway, and time how fast the kids can run to each letter to spell the words they are told. 

Sources: 

Crowe, Ashley. “27 Fun Reading Activities To Try At Home or In The Classroom.” Prodigy. December 16, 2021 (visited 10 April 2022). 

https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/reading-activities/ 

https://www.prodigygame.com/main-en/blog/reading-apps/ 

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_qs3c0ehDvZkbiEbOj6Drg 

7 Facts about the Academy for G.O.D.

In 2021, the Academy for G.O.D. was recognized for some awards in the Nashville Scene's magazine. In the readers' poll awards of their yearly best issue, the Academy was included among the top 3 in the categories of Best Private School, Best Elementary School, Best Junior High, and Best High School. So what makes the Academy so special? Check out these 7 facts to learn a bit more about how we do education here at the Academy.   

1. Innovative Level System. Unlike traditional schools, we do not have the typical leveling system that puts students into grades. Instead, elementary students are grouped by generals, specifics, and focus levels. Every student has their own uniquities, and thus they may require more time in certain subjects than others. By grouping students like this, it provides fluidity between traditional grade levels, allowing students to learn at their own pace without feeling left behind.

Principal Castro teaches an SEL elective course to an upper elementary level class. Students are challenged to develop their social intelligence especially as peers and classmates together.

2. No Letter Grades.  Another big way in which the Academy is reshaping education is by doing away with letter grades in elementary. Young students are often unable to disassociate the grade on their work from being a grade on themselves. This can lead to unhealthy mindsets that can prohibit learning. Instead, the students are given benchmarks for each course they take, and then evaluated on how well they understand that aspect of the course topic. This keeps kids from stressing about grades too early, and instead allows them to better enjoy the learning experience. 

3. Students have Lead & Course Teachers. When a student is at the Academy, they are put in a class with similarly aged peers under a lead teacher. These lead teachers are responsible for overseeing the students' holistic education. However, the students also have course teachers who instruct on their areas of expertise, to ensure the students are receiving the best education possible. At a 14:1 average student-teacher ratio, the Academy is much lower than the state average. 

4. High School Academic and Creative Track for Graduating. A highly project-based track focused on development in the creatives is available to the high school students alongside the common academic track. This option is a special opportunity for students who are wanting to increase their knowledge and abilities in certain creative avenues. Upper-level courses like, “Directed Studies” and “Student Internship” allow older students to hone in a specific area of learning or skill set.

5. Variety of Online Education & Hybrid Options. If you feel like you are missing out because you are a bit too far away to send your kids to the Academy, then don’t worry. There are a number of options for online education, even allowing students to take individual classes a la carte. There is also a hybrid option for homeschool students who still want to receive some face-to-face learning. 

Elementary students enjoy recess before their lunch break. All elementary students receive three recess blocks every day at the Academy.

6. Exciting Courses. One of the ways the Academy implements its focus on holistic development is by offering courses on social and emotional intelligence. Along with this, new courses are routinely being developed based on the curiosity of the students. This keeps students excited and interested about learning as they are able to cater the education to meet the needs and interests of the students. 

7. Special Events and Extracurricular Activities  The Academy has a variety of fun extracurricular activities. Not only do they have great team sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball, but there are also a number of clubs for students who have other interests such as geo-caching, yoga, chess, or pokemon.

Exploring the Visual, Auditory and Physical Styles of Learning: The Benefits of Various Teaching Styles

Simply put, learning styles are the different ways in which a person intakes information. While there are multiple ways to analyze this, one of the easiest ways to break this down is through our senses. Students learn through seeing, hearing, and handling the subject matters taught to them. Some children are more prone to retaining information when presented in a certain way, and thus one student may learn more quickly through hearing a teacher’s lesson while another may better grasp the concept if that same information is formulated into a graph. With that said, here is a quick breakdown of some of the learning styles and how they can be used.

Visual: Here are some ways in to use visualization to your advantage: Use multiple colored pens when taking notes to color-coordinate certain ideas, create graphs, charts, webs, and illustrations to depict the information you were taught, make a mind-map to see how various ideas connect to each other, or put facts on images and make a review collage. 

Auditorial: Some people prefer learning through hearing the information, so here are some study ideas: Listen to energizing but not distracting music while studying, memorize facts by putting them to the tune of a popular song, download lectures and re-listen to them in the car on the way to soccer practice, read through your notes out loud, or take turns with a study partner re-teaching each other the information by putting it in your own words. 

During a lesson exploring the digestive system, students participate in hands-on experiments to guide their understanding of the course material.

Physical: Get moving! This style of learning requires you to use your body: Act out what you are trying to learn as if rehearsing for a play, read your notes while walking or chewing gum to keep your subconscious busy with movement to help your mind focus on what you need to memorize, put choreography or dance moves to the information you are trying to memorize, or place index cards of facts around the room and connect them with string. Anything that gets your body moving in sync with your brain as you digest the information can be beneficial for a kinesthetic style of learning.

For rather obvious reasons, the smelling and tasting methods are rarely used. While delicious, writing your notes in icing on a cake and then eating it is neither practical nor efficient, even if you do technically digest the information. 

What’s a way to wrap all of this into one useful study tip: draw your notes. Edutopia explains how drawing while notetaking can increase retention rates by utilizing multiple learning styles at once. The student is intaking the information audibly by listening to the lecture; by depicting the information in charts, symbols, or pictures, they are constructing visuals; and by using their hands to draw, they are keeping their body physically active. 

While certain learning styles may come easier to some than others, we should avoid pigeonholing anyone to a specific style. If not understood correctly, a student may lay blame on the way a topic was conveyed rather than trying to take responsibility for trying extra hard to understand the concept. Rather than looking to strengthen a weakness, they may turn it into a handicap. This may be why the developer of the multiple intelligence theory, Howard Gardner believes it best to leave behind the term “learning styles,” even though he does highly encourage educators to “pluralize” their teaching methods. 

SOURCES: 

Northern Illinois University Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. (2020). Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. In Instructional guide for university faculty and teaching assistants. Retrieved from https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide  

“Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences.” Northern Illinois University. (visited 24 March 2022)

https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/gardners-theory-of-multiple-intelligences.shtml  

Cherry, Kendra. “Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences.” VeryWellMind.com. July 28, 2021 (visite 24 March 2022) 

https://www.verywellmind.com/gardners-theory-of-multiple-intelligences-2795161  

Terada, Youki. “The Science of Drawing and Memory.” Edutopia. 14 March 2019. (visited 4 April 2022)

https://www.edutopia.org/article/science-drawing-and-memory