3 Proven Steps to Teach Your Child Absolutely Anything
Endorsed by the Classroom & Approved for Your Living Room
In my former life as a teacher, there was one golden strategy that was embedded throughout every single lesson plan. One go-to method that we routinely relied on to help our students achieve content mastery.
This treasured gem was referred to as the “I do, we do, you do” strategy.
It essentially involves gradually releasing responsibility from the teacher to the student, allowing the student to build their skills and knowledge over time.
I think we all can agree that teaching children in any forum, whether at school or home, can be a challenging, yet rewarding experience. That’s why it’s important to have effective teaching strategies like this one in your toolbox.
Whether you’re homeschooling your child or simply looking to supplement their education, you’ll find definite value in this method.
So, let’s outline the “I do, we do, you do” process step by step and explain how you can implement this strategy at home to teach your child just about anything.
Step 1: I Do
The first phase of the “I do, we do, you do” strategy is the “I do” phase. This phase involves the parent or teacher modeling the skill or concept for the child. Modeling is important because it allows the child to see exactly what they need to do and how it should be done.
Examples of how you can demonstrate the chosen skill or concept include showing your child how to tie their shoes, how to write their name, or how to solve a math problem step-by-step. By modeling, you can provide a clear example for your child to follow and help set them up for success in the next phases of this strategy.
Step 2: We Do
The second phase of the “I do, we do, you do” strategy is the “we do” phase. During this phase, you and child work together to practice the skill or concept. This phase is important because it allows the child to receive your feedback and guidance and to practice the skill in a supportive environment.
Examples of how you can work with your child to practice the skill or concept include completing a puzzle together, writing a story together, or practicing a sport together. By practicing together, you can provide your child with the support and guidance they need to master the skill or concept.
Step 3: You Do
The third and final phase of the “I do, we do, you do” strategy is the “you do” phase. During this phase, the child practices the skill or concept independently, with you offering support only as needed. This phase is important because it allows your child to demonstrate their understanding and build confidence in their abilities.
Examples of how you can support their child as they practice independently include providing them with prompts, asking open-ended questions, and offering positive reinforcement for their efforts. By allowing your child to practice independently, you can help them develop their skills and feel a sense of accomplishment.
Ultimately, the “I do, we do, you do” strategy is a highly effective teaching approach that you can use to teach your children anything at home. The strategy involves:
- modeling the skill or concept for the child during the “I do” phase
- practicing together during the “we do” phase, and
- allowing the child to practice independently during the “you do” phase
By using this strategy, we can provide our children with a supportive and effective learning environment that helps build confidence and mastery of new skills.
It’s important to note that this strategy can also be adapted to meet the needs of children of different ages, abilities, and learning styles, as well as different skills and subjects. Because we know that one size seldom fits all. You can modify the strategy by breaking down more complex skills into smaller, more manageable steps, or by providing additional resources such as worksheets, videos, or games if needed.
It’s also important to tailor the strategy to fit your child’s individual learning style and needs. Some children may benefit from more structured guidance during the “we do” phase, while others may thrive with more independent practice during the “you do” phase. This will ensure that your child receives the best possible learning experience.
No matter how you tailor it to meet your family’s needs, incorporating this strategy into your parenting toolkit will help you create a positive and engaging learning environment for your child, and set them up for success in all areas of life. You’ll find that with patience, guidance, and lots of practice, there’s no limit to what our children can achieve!
