This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Mr. D. Math. I was compensated for my time, but this is an honest review and all opinions are my own.

I’m always happy to find resources to help me teach my children in the best possible way. Not having expertise in teaching or how kids learn doesn’t have to be a barrier for homeschool moms. There are excellent resources we can use, and that’s why I’m happy to tell you about Teach by Dennis DiNoia! 

An Overview of Teach by Dennis DiNoia

Teach: Creating Independently Responsible Learners is a quick and easy read for anyone looking to help children learn AND become lifelong learners. It was written by Dennis DiNoia, the creator of Mr. D. Math.

The unique approach of this book is the understanding that it’s not the information our children are gaining that is important (although, yes-it’s important!). Of greater importance is the discovery of information.

This book answered questions for me like:

• How can I empower my child to take responsibility for their own learning?
• How can I encourage my child to enjoy learning?
• How can I help my child think more independently?
• How can I help my child value what they’re learning?
• How can I help my child when it comes to test-taking?

If you’ve ever asked yourself any of these questions as a homeschool parent, I believe you will find this book of useful! It offers practical advice and excellent real-life examples, all from a fresh perspective.

Creating Independently Responsible Learners

A key point stressed throughout the book is the importance of helping our children understand how to learn on their own. As we teach our children how to learn independently, this translates into a life skill that will forever benefit them.

With this skill, our students will be prepared for accomplishment in life. Once you are an independent responsible learner, you are well-equipped to pursue what you love and be successful at it. I think that’s something we all want for our children (and even for ourselves!)

How to Be a Better Homeschool Teacher

If we want to help our children become independently responsible learners, this book suggests we need to consider our approach as the teachers of our homeschool.

We need to allow our children to become the teachers.

We can become a better homeschool teacher by allowing our children to become the teachers and us, the students!

I love this idea. 

I recognize there are ways that I already require this of my kids. For example, when they read something I ask them to tell me what they learned instead of asking them a predetermined set of questions. Or, when I adjust the topic of a research paper from what the curriculum might suggest, to a subject they want to learn about. 

As I read this book, I started to think about ways that my children already act as teachers. For example, my boys love cars. Over the years, they have consumed so much material about this topic. Their knowledge is truly astounding, and I have learned more than I ever wanted to know about cars. 

This simply happened from listening to them talk as we rode in the car, from them sharing random facts and tidbits, and from my asking them questions to learn more. They have taught me so much!

I think it’s crucial to take the information you gain from reading Teach, and review it a second time to really think about realistic ways you can put this into practice in your homeschool. Because the author gives so many practical suggestions for how to put the information to use, it really got the wheels of my mind turning.

I want to take the same passion they show learning about cars, and apply that to all the subjects of our homeschool. How much more impactful and interesting their studies will become for them. While I do try to allow for some interest-led learning, I know this is an area I can improve upon. This book has me excited to do so!

My Favorite Takeaway From the Book Teach by Dennis DiNoia

While I have many highlighted sentences and sections in my book, my favorite chapter was the bonus chapter at the end titled Goal Setting.

He notes: One of the best ways to support young people in figuring out what they want to do in their lives, is to have them practice creating and achieving goals.

One of the best ways to support young people in figuring out what they want to do in their lives, is to have them practice creating and achieving goals.

dennis dinoia

This chapter walks you through simple steps of establishing some goals and provides a diagram you can use to illustrate your goals and steps for achieving them. He encourages this activity for kids and parents alike. 

I never learned such intentional goal-setting, so this feels very empowering. I wonder what impact it might have had if I had learned this earlier.

What a gift to walk through this process with my children, providing them something so valuable. 

He concludes with this inspiration: Have your goals be amazing. Have your goals be great and your life be great. Why? Because you are great. I want everyone to know it…including you.

Have your goals be amazing. Have your goals be great and your life be great. Why? Because you are great. I want everyone to know it…including you.

dennis dinoia

I think we can all use that type of motivation in our lives.

Conclusion

I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Teach by Dennis DiNoia. I was encouraged as a homeschool mom and love that the book is for adults and teens alike.

This book exudes positivity and encouraged me to act; not just consume more information, but to do something with it. It’s a great addition to your library of homeschooling books. It will challenge the way you think about learning, AND the approach you take to teaching.

Enjoy!