“Come on down, we’re going to start schoolwork!” I call up the stairs.

“But, Mom, I’m teaching Maddy to play Battleship!” my 9-year-old replies, with a hint of annoyance for being interrupted.

Hmmm, Cartesian graphing definitely counts as math…and he’s teaching her, I think to myself. “Sure, take your time!” I call back.

Teaching is the best way to remember information. Just think of it in terms of us as the homeschooling parents. Do you remember all of your high school history? I sure don’t. I’m learning now. As I teach it to my children.

Edgar Dale, in his brain research, summed up in the Cone of Learning, found that (paraphrased):

WE REMEMBER
10% of what we read
20% of what we hear
30% of what we see
50% of what we see and hear
70% of what we discuss with others
90% of what we teach others

I’ve been trying to apply this theory in our homeschool, now that my oldest two are at a point where they enjoy each other’s company and can engage in some more advanced games and concepts on their own. The more I seek them out, the more opportunities I find to briefly hand the reins to my oldest to help his younger sister. The benefits are many- sibling cooperation, communication skills for both, retention of material- and I have noticed a great deal of growth in their relationship because of these efforts.

Many times, as in the Battleship example, they take it upon themselves to work together before I ask. The simple act of explaining the directions of a game requires a child to put their thoughts together, express them coherently, and follow through with demonstration. I have witnessed my son teaching his sister proper violin posture by having her correct his “bad” positions, helping her with her reading, and guiding her in her attempts to whistle. I have also seen my daughter, who is six, begin to “teach” her younger brothers, and even her stuffed animals!

My goal is to create an environment where it is OK to “not know” something because there are many patient, caring family members willing to teach you when you want, or need, to know. Slowly I am seeing the fruit of this effort.

I encourage you to try and find small ways throughout your day when your children can teach- whether it’s you, a sibling, or the family dog!

Christine is a Christian, homeschooling mom to three boys and a girl, ranging in age from 9 to 2 years old. She is a musician by trade, eclectic in homeschool style, and continues to grow and learn along with her children in this journey of life and discipleship at home. Visit her blog at Fruit in Season.