What should I do?

[cnada]

OK, I will soon be a blue belt and according to my instructor, at the blue belt level, the student must begin learning how to teach. And, to be honest with everyone(including myself), the whole teaching thing is kind of freaking me out. I really don't want to screw anything up(especially don't want to screw up with the kids in my class. That would just kill me.). So, I would like any tips, suggestions, advice, or whatever I need to know on being a good instructor.

And, if it helps, I do tae kwon do.

Please help me!

[Sohan]

Don't be afraid to teach. You'll learn so much more about TKD when you try to teach it to someone else. Just be patient, remember what it was like to be a lower ranking belt, and take your time in explaining things. You will not be expected to be an expert, and if you don't pretend to be one, you'll be well respected by your peers.

With respect,

Sohan

[June1]

The best advice I can give is to pay attention to, and observe, the way an instructor you like teaches the class. Ask yourself what he/she does that is helpful or that helps you and other students understand what is being taught, and then when it's time for you to teach, try to employ what you have seen done.

As long as you have the spirit of the martial arts in you, as well as a sincere love for what you're doing, you'll be fine. Don't worry. Good luck.

[Aodhan]

Also, don't stress so much about the word "teach".

You have the impression that you are going to be thrown in front of the whole class, and expected to teach a lesson. Very unlikely.

What it will probably be is something like "Hey, cnada, come over here and show newbie white belt how to do a good high block. Work with her for a few minutes".

They won't (Or at least shouldn't) throw you into the deep end, but work you into it gradually.

Aodhan

[JusticeZero]

Don't be afraid to screw up. Try to get it right, but realize that the first few times you try to teach, most of them are in some way going to suck. That is the way of learning a new skill.

Beforehand, if possible, contemplate: What am I trying to teach? The students are going to take home about three things from each class. You can't really control what three very well. Chose them wisely. Don't obsess over the fine points you aren't working on that day.

[Heather Smyth]

My best advice to any instructor or instructor trainee either blue belt or 6th degree BB is Humility. Even though you know more than the other student you should NEVER let that go to your head. Having knowledge does not make you better it just means you know more. I hope you gain the confidence you need to help others on your TKD journey, but I also hope you keep some of that fear. It will make you care about your students and not just how good or bad you look while teaching. Good Luck!!

Heather

[patusai]

I like the idea mentioned by June 1 that you observe and recall how you were trained.

Start from there. Look at other instructors to get your feet wet and then, once comfortable, start working on your own style of teaching. Don't worry about it. Don't think about it. Just do it. You'll be just fine. Good luck

[bushido_man96]

The single best thing that you can do in order to become a good teacher is......teach. That is all there is to it. Jump right in there, and give it a whirl. You will quickly learn what it takes to help students understand.

Becoming a good teacher takes time, patience, and practice.

Also, prepare class plans, so that you know in advance what you are going to present in class. This will help you to anticipate any questions the students may have, and help you to prepare answers.

Good luck...you will do just fine.

[Sohan]

I like the idea mentioned by June 1 that you observe and recall how you were trained.

Start from there. Look at other instructors to get your feet wet and then, once comfortable, start working on your own style of teaching. Don't worry about it. Don't think about it. Just do it. You'll be just fine. Good luck

I completely agree. I teach much like my sensei does.

With respect,

Sohan

[Kieran-Lilith]

Out of my own curiousity, how old are you?

The first time you teach, it will be horrible. You will hate it and be afraid of it, but you'll live. If you have the chance, what helps is going around classes and helping kids one by one. One of my own most memorable experiences teaching was during this past summer. The kids were learning how to walk on their knees, and one of them had a particular problem with it. I went on my knees, and I walked with him, every step that he took, I took with him. I showed him and explained to him how to do it better, how to prevent himself from getting mat burns on his feet, I went with him up and down the mats just for a little while until he had it. He got it because someone helped him, and then he went speeding around the mats with his dojo friends, all of them walking on their knees. Seeing kids get it because of something you did to help is one of the most amazing feelings in the world.

Now that I'm done rambling about my own experiences...Be patient with whoever it is you teach. I think you'll probably start with kids, though, because kids are easier to teach than adults. Make sure you know people's names. I know that sounds like common sense, but really, it's so much easier to teach a kid when you can kneel down and say "Soandso, you're doing really good, but I just want you to fix thisorthat for me."

Kids are always more comfortable when you kneel down to their level. You aren't towering above them that way. I mean, if you think about when you were a little kid, didn't those big, nasty sixth graders scare you...just because they were sixth graders and towered over you? By kneeling down, you let them relax just a bit.

Don't glare at them. Don't ever, ever scream at them. You will terrify them. Avoid using any harsh tones because they will notice and pick up on it. When I was little, and even now, if anyone was even the slightest bit angry or frustrated with me, and they projected it in their voice, I will hear it, and a lot of times, even now, I'll still almost shut down. The kids will latch onto that tone and that feeling and become so afraid that they'll nod at you, they'll do anything to make you think they understand because they think that if you think they understand, you will leave. So, no yelling/screaming/harsh tones/glaring.

If push-ups are the punishment in your dojo, feel free to give them. I once had a little boy who I was trying to teach the second kata to. He stood in stance for a while, stopped, and started humming the Star Wars them song and dancing to it. Then the other kids started giggling. Don't let it go that far, it causes mayhem. The boy and the girl next to him (who had started to join in) did push-ups, the others decided to behave. Don't let the kids think you're a big softie who they can walk all over. That was one of my biggest mistakes.

Umm....think about how your instructor(s) taught you. Pay attention now, while you have the chance. You won't get another opportunity like this one.

Relax. Have fun. It won't start out pretty, but give yourself a bit of time. Work with kids one on one before class, it gives you experience. Just have some patience, and it will come.

Note: I am not the best teacher in the entire bloody world, but the kids who I teach like me and learn because they aren't afraid of me....usually.