Strategies for Teaching Children (8 – 14 year olds)
In my six to seven years of teaching children ages 8-14, I have not only grown in experience but also in knowledge. Sometimes we seek and learn information ignorant of any sense of responsibility. When you have to teach, however, it is incumbent upon you to know what it is that you are teaching and then be able to communicate it with wisdom to people at their level. I have taught various subjects ranging from Tajweed to Muslim Heroes to Seerah to Quran and so on, and in doing so I have developed a greater understanding than I would have otherwise.
When teaching kids of this particular age group it must be understood that the kids are like CD-RWs. They are completely blank and you can burn as many concepts and knowledge as you want and they will soak them up like sponges; it does, of course, depend upon on the frequency of classes being conducted. If you are running a Sunday school, the once a week instruction would only aid as a reminder. Lessons must be prepared and taught in a manner that leaves an impression on the children that would sustain them with knowledge throughout the proceeding week. On the other hand if you are teaching on a daily basis, then one must be well prepared. Children must have notes based on the lesson that you are conducting. Homework assignments should be given, which are corrected and graded, and hard work and diligence should be expected and rewarded.
- SET THE RULES
At the beginning of a new session, it is always best to explain the rules to the kids, introduce yourself and also allow them to introduce themselves. - WHAT’S YOUR NAME?
The importance of remembering the names of kids cannot be stressed enough. It gives you power like that of a spell over the kids. Children feel honored that you remember their names when addressing them and this develops a bond that aids in communication. - BREAKING THE ICE
If you notice that the kids are in isolated groups and are not interacting with each other it is good to break the ice with a group art activity to allow them to discuss, plan, design and present their work. - EGO BOOST
Some kids have an inferiority complex which can be easily handled if you ask them questions that are so easy they feel a boost in their ego when they get it right. Do make sure that the other children are not aware that you are intentionally giving easy questions to such a child. - HYPERACTIVITY
Some children may seem hyperactive in your class. They talk and distract other children during lessons. It is best to ignore them and not draw too much attention to their behavior and if all fails there are always other ways. - TUNE THE TONE
It is important to realize that the tone you use in class sets the tone of the environment. If the teacher is loud so will the kids be and if the teacher is soft in tone so will the kids. - I NEVER KNEW THAT!
The teacher must bring exciting and interesting info. Much of the stuff, kids already know from Islamiat courses taught at schools. It is much more fun for the kids to learn things not already known or to cover them from a different angle. - FUN LEARNING
Kids always enjoy workshops and art activities more than lecture style classes. Do not focus on the children being able to memorize names of places and people and dates etc —this isn’t history class! - STRENGTHEN THE FUNDAMENTALS
Focus on teaching basic points and concepts. The fundamentals must be made strong rather than focusing on other details. - ONCE UPON A TIME…
The most interesting topic to teach is Muslim Heroes because they are full of stories and everyone loves stories. - SMILE, YOU’RE IN CLASS!
If the teacher is too strict the class will not last long. Therefore the teacher must have a happy disposition, smiling and welcoming, that encourages the children to be friendly in their communication with you. This will prove to be much more affective in imparting knowledge than being an authoritarian figure, where the children are afraid to participate and interact with their views and thoughts.
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