I went to the page you linked to, http://www.ahamoment.com/pg/moments/view/203 .

That was a very thoughtful story about the developmentally disabled young boy who was confident of his own ability, to sing in a talent show, even when his parents were very hesitant.

Teaching the young must be a great experience, especially if we keep our mind open to how much teacher and student can learn from each other.

I will check out some more “Aha” moments on the site. Thanks again for the link.

Thanks,

Jack@ahamoment.com

That fitness class does sound like fun, although I am not to sure I would want to be in a room full of kids kickboxing,

You are right “those with the least that benefit the most”. Also with kids you get that immediate feedback. I agree it is a lot more fun to teach young children. When it comes to teenagers I think I would pass.

I have a cousin, Peter, born with Downs Syndrome. He is about 35 now, mentally around 10. Of my aunts six children he is the one who gives her the most love, and support. The others don’t see, or talk to her, much.

I used to teach fitness classes to kids at the gym. I absolutely loved it. We would get pre-choreographed routines to the latest pop songs and we would teach them kickboxing and aerobics and play in the pool.

At the moment I am going to schools and talking to kids about career choices. I love it too. Children usually have such a different energy and are so eager to learn! I find though (and this comes back to the learning disabled kids) that it is usually those with the least that benefit the most. In tha private schools I go to the privileged kids will usually give me a little bit of attitude because they’re all seemingly going to take a year off and travel the world while living off their parents money- nothing wrong with that, but when I go to the disadvantaged schools and see how they hang on my every word and how eager they are to study further, even though most of them can’t afford it- it makes you think.

You taught Astrophysics! Now I am really impressed. I really love science. Physicist however deal with concepts that in general I lack the imagination to understand to any great degree.

I love listening to people like Michio Kaku. He does such a great job of explaining concepts that even I can grasp them, at least on a fundamental level.

It is when the students starts to ask question the teachers doesn’t have a good answer to, that the learning experience really begins.

When I was training I had a lesson plan, but I would throw that out the window if the students were just getting bored.

It was always interesting how when you ask the students if they understood you, and they all shake their heads, yes. Then ask them to show you how it’s done, whatever it is, and you see this sudden look of panic.

If they can’t actually run the program, a computer class hasn’t done them any good.

I have a background in science and have taught a few classes in astronomy and astrophysics. I have also volunteered to help teach reading skills in the past. Teaching is kind of like going to the gym. You don’t necessarily wake up wanting to do it, it’s a pain while you’re doing it, but when you look back at it, you’re really glad you did it.

With that being said, it can still be really fun. I love being able to explain anything and watching for that spark in a student’s eyes when they really understand what I am saying.

One of the best ‘jobs’ i had was earlier this decade when i was volunteering for a place known as the Lifelong Learning Centre.

Amongst other duties i would teach a small class of mostly adults (from all walks of the community) in Database Design, Word-processing and in Internet usage (mostly first time computer users or those with little computer experience).

It was sometimes personally challenging and i was amongst the ones who learned the most i feel, but it was indeed a very rewarding time in my life and, i hope, in theirs.

Feedback is VERY important to a teacher who wishes to become a better one.

And preparation is essential, as is a rapport with your students.

<B