When it came to my two sons, I noticed that one preferred being taught while the other preferred being coached. What is the difference between teaching and coaching, and how does this difference apply to homeschooling? As it turns out, both can be appropriate depending on the context, situation, and type of learner. Understanding the distinction between the two terms will help you when choosing homeschool curriculum and supplemental resources for your child, especially as you consider the level of instruction that your student needs in a given subject area.
Teaching is explicit. This is your step-by-step, assume no prior knowledge, new concept stuff. You start at the beginning. The tricky part is that we often forget what it is like to know nothing about a topic, especially if you have been homeschooling a while. It can be a delicate balance to assume that your learner knows nothing about a topic while avoiding insulting their intelligence at the same time. You need to use clear, plain language without talking down to them. It takes time and practice to perfect this skill, and then the process changes with each new learner! It could be learning to read, writing an essay, or doing simple geometry. If it is new to them, you have to go back to the place where you assume that your student has no context to connect to.
Teaching continues as you make connections for your student. For example, when introducing social studies to young learners, I like the idea of starting them out with a puzzle of the states where they can handle the shapes of each state. If you live in Illinois, your child can say, “We live in the purple state on my puzzle! The one with yellow corn on it.” Later, when you are reading about President Lincoln, your student has a connection in their brain. “Lincoln lived in Springfield, Illinois. That’s the capital. I remember that from my puzzle!” As you continually point out connections, your student learns to make their own connections as they read and learn new information. This can bring them to the coachable level of homeschooling.
Coaching involves maintaining skills, strengthening skills, and building foresight to prepare for the next game, match, or meet. This translates easily into academic learning. Does your student need to develop their handwriting and math skills with daily practice? Is there a long-term goal like a research paper that they need to prepare for? Coaches provide feedback on the student’s performance, telling the student when they have mastered a skill or when they need more time spent in an area. Some coaches stand back and thoughtfully watch, others get in and demonstrate what they want. Consider your learner and what they respond best to. The coach’s job is to bring out the best performance that a that child is capable of at that time!
Consider the difference between teaching and coaching as you are looking at curriculum materials for the new school year. Are you learning something new? If yes, be sure to purchase material with good support for you, the teacher, to deliver the lesson in a way your student will understand. Does it have enough practice for your student to master the concepts? Do you want assessments to show growth? On the other hand, are you developing a long-term skill such as essay writing? Choose materials that will coach your student to develop their writing style and try new things to make them stronger.
You can always call our Curriculum Consultants for free at 888-841-3456 to talk through your homeschooling options. We would love to help you! ~Sara
