Mr. Dock here! Yes! I’m back! Amy released a new Sugar Block pattern this morning, and I’ve been officially promoted to part-time help—newly entrusted with a Beyond the Block post! I had to do a lot of kissing up to the boss, but it finally happened! And to tell the truth it wasn’t really unpleasant at all—particularly the kissing part {wink}.
June Block
Oh, for those of you new here you might be wondering what this is all about– this post is part of a block of the month series called the Sugar Block Club that my wife, Amy, offers each month. Well, actually, it’s the second year for the Sugar Block Club. You can find more info on the club HERE. Anyway, one of the special feature that we’ve really been enjoying this year is called Beyond The Block, and each month she shares her heart in an inspirational challenge…so far she’s posted about being intentional, merciful, present, joyful, and an explorer. And this month’s challenge is all me!
So here it goes…
The idea of “teaching” someone, anyone, else can be extremely daunting, especially when we feel like we’re not qualified. Believe me, I know the feeling. Amy and I decided we’ll be homeschooling the kids beginning next fall and we have taken camping trips into the land of feeling inadequate. She’s going to write a little more next week about our decision and how we overcame those feelings of not being equal to the task, but today, I’m guest posting The June Beyond the Block on Being a Teacher.
Those of you who have read my older post know I briefly ran a fencing school. But what that post doesn’t talk about is how anxious I was to get up in front of a dozen kids ranging in ages from 8 to 14, all of them ARMED, to try and teach them how to fence. I had been to dozens of beginner classes myself, and I knew the material front to back, back to front, left handed and right handed. But there is something altogether intimidating about trying to instruct and keep a teenager engaged while their parent, who just wrote you a check for 6 weeks of lessons, stands, arms crossed, behind them.
After one of my first sessions, a parent approached me after class. Their child had learned a lot, but was only about middle of the pack in the final round robin tournament we held. I didn’t know what was coming and couldn’t read any expression on his face.
“What can I do for you?” I asked, a little nervous.
He reached into a pocket and pulled out a check he had already written for the next six weeks of lessons.
“My boy can’t stop talking about fencing,” he said. “Anyone who watches just one of your classes knows you love it, too and it shows in your teaching.”
It was one of the best compliments I had ever received.
The truth is I wasn’t a great fencer. I was a little better than average but I absolutely love the sport. And one of the only things I love more than being on the fencing strip is passing that passion on to new students. I didn’t have to be an expert with an impressive resume and a string of credentials. I have fun every time I pick up a foil and I want everyone I’m around to feel the same.
I once wrote that Amy and I both had hobbies that involved pointed metal objects: fencing foils and sewing needles. But, really the similarities go much deeper. Amy’s trajectory as an instructor comes from the same joy of sharing something she loves to do. Over and over again, the feedback she received from Craftsy students was that her love for quilting was infectious.
And that’s what really makes a great teacher: passion. This month, I challenge you, wherever you are, to teach someone by sharing something you love to do. You don’t have to be standing in front of a classroom of students- maybe you’re just spending an afternoon with a grandchild or volunteering at church or school. You can teach, share, mentor, or encourage just about anyone! You’ll be amazed how infectious your passion for sewing or cooking or gardening…can be when you share the joy it gives you. And that’s really what it’s about- joy, which also ties back to last month’s challenge. When you find joy in something, share it, teach it, pass it on.
Well thanks for letting me hop in and participate this month! I’d love it if you added your thoughts to the conversation. Feel free to leave a comment and share about what this challenge may mean to you, and ways you share your passions, and the joy that they bring, with those around you.
Until next time,
Russell
I totally agree with your post, when you love what you do, teaching is easy. And teaching or mentoring is tremendously rewarding, everyone should share their knowledge and infect people with their passion, it creates memories, fuels the spirit, and inspires others to do the same. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Loved reading your post Russell! You both will do great home schooling your kids!
You guys have the gift of love. Love for each other,your children,your extended family ,than your special gifts you were blessed with. Your cup runneth over. It will be a new horizon that will make you grow even stronger as a family. My daughter in law home schools, our church has tons of kids going thru the same thing and than a co op for other teachings. You will also learn the lesson of discipline with your time . Your plate is full but what an amazing ride.
I love this month’s beyond the block idea. I find it a bit ironic that the theme is teach just as some of us teachers finish their school year of teaching. :) That is my big ahhhhh, relax and sew time. I guess it’s a reminder that as a teacher, I never really don’t have a time that I don’t teach, because last year I taught myself, with he help of Amy how to quilt. I will be doing a bit more learning than teaching, but continuing to learn is something we all need to do throughout our lifetime.
Hi
I have been teaching patchwork and quilting since 2009. I started a class because I ran a quilt group, which had a sudden increase of new members, none of whom had patched before, but who had responded to a newspaper article talking about our great quilt group and how friendly we are! I had planned to teach within the group, giving them a task each week. The reality was that then didn’t always attend due to the nature of members to a group. I decided that I had to run a class – started with 8 people and have been running them ever since – every term. Moved on the the second level beginner and then this year started an Intermediate class to teach those things I had never taught. This has meant a good group, meeting monthly, learning challenging things that most of the students had never learned before. What fun and real challenge to me, because I have included techniques that I hadn’t particularly cracked myself – so a each month – another challenge to me. I have also extended the classes to include the possibility sign-up of individuals who just want to learn the particular technique that month. It works well, and I already have the notes for next year.
The joy of it all, is that those very early and later beginner and second level beginners are popping in for the individual class – they are great quilters, and really love their craft and their work – and that really pleases me so very much!
Well, this is good timing. Four of us have just been asked to run patchwork workshops for groups of local children. I’m hoping I’ll be able to manage on my very limited Turkish but really looking forward to teaching!
Thank you Russell!
Loved your post.
I agree with you, if you are passionate about a subject, that makes all the difference! I fenced in HS back in the 60s and had so much fun. It was a unit in gym class. Thanks for reminding me of those memories!
Wonderful thoughts on teaching…..may you always have a passion for something and be able to teach it to others.
Thanks for the post. I just finished piecing 35 blocks for my second quilt the first one was Amy’s 2012 BOM.
Wow, home schooling?! Good luck!
loved your post! thanks
Hi Amy,
My question is about your quilting machine…
Can you let me know what kind it is and where would I purchase one?
I was thinking about purchasing one, they seem to come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges??
looking for some advice??
Thanks,
Kathy
Another great guest post, Mr. Dock! I am so enjoying these Beyond the Block challenges. So much to think about each month. You’re right, teaching can be so intimidating, and yet we can also learn so much from the experience.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. We home schooled our boys and our oldest just graduated college with honors. It is a wonderful journey that will give you moments of wonder, frustration and jubilation. It is so special when you experience the moment that your child’s mind realizes what reading is. It is such a shame that so many parents miss this beautiful milestone. You will second guess your teaching but it is just like your fencing school. You do not have to be an expert in every or even any subject. You just have to inspire a love of learning and eventually they will own it and you will have a hard time keeping up. Blessings on your journey.
Wonderfully conveyed. You two will be great home school teachers. Blessings to you and your family.
Well done, Mr. Dock! I’m positive you and Amy will do a splendid job homeschooling! What a marvelous team you two make on so many levels. God bless!! xoxo (double hugs and kisses for the entire family!!)
Russell What a great post! You are amazing! I want to teach so bad but working and making money gets in the way and I don’t know where to start. I have taught my granddaughters a little. One of my neices is now taking interest but I really would love to learn more about how to get started.
We’ll done, Mr. Dock!
so very sweet and loving…I am so happy to read this blog…..
Enjoyed reading your post. Thank you for sharing from your heart. It’s left me feeling inspired.
Great job Russ! Way to step-up and complete the mission! You’ve taken Army Strong and made it Family Strong. ;)
It is a pleasure to read this blog, whether it is Amy or you, who contribute.! Our adventure into home schooling ended 3 years ago. Enjoy the ride and take it one day at a time.!
Hi Mr. Dock, it’s nice to have you here again, I congratulate you for supporting Amy in everything she does, which is certainly reciprocated by her.
You’re so right about that feeling of satisfaction that leaves to teach others what you love to do. Is more important that students feel your enthusiasm than the mastery of the matter. I’ve been teaching patchwork and quilting to a couple of friends since 4 years ago, and they don’t want to stop classes because they love it, and we enjoy every project we make together.
But the best experience I’ve looked about this is at the present, with my daughter. She’s studying to be a Vet Dr., but she always has liked to dance. So, she has taken Spanish dance classes since she was 6 year old, so she dances like a pro. This year, her teacher moved to live in Spain, so she sold the Dancing schoo. My daughter decided to buy it and become the teacher, using her free time from University. Is amazing how she turned an excellent teacher, making new fabulous coreographies, and how her students enjoy the time together.
So keep teachin fence, I’ts sure the kids are enjoying it and learning too much from you!
Hi Mr Dock! Lovely post – truly inspiring.
I’ve recently been teaching a couple of people how to make bobbin lace, and I taught my daughter some dressmaking. I’m forever getting complements from my friends on my quilting, and they wonder whether they can do the same. One of these days I’m going to run a little sewing bee for my buddies… one of these days.
Love the picture of mom teaching daughter…..
Russell I love reading your guest posts. You guys will do great. You have a great passion for your family and support in one another.
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