Does this sound familiar? You spend hours crafting the “perfect” lesson, carefully planning how to explain a concept. Yet, when it’s time to teach, your child stares at you as if you’re speaking a completely different language. You can’t help but wonder, “Why isn’t this working? Did I miss something?” 

If you read part 1 of this series, you already know the answer might not be about your capability as a teacher—or your child’s ability to learn. Instead, it could come down to how the two of you approach learning as a team. 

Remember, there are two players on a homeschool team: you & your kids. In part 1, we dove into Player #2—your kids—and explored their learning preferences: the unique ways they grasp and process information. 

Now it’s time to turn the spotlight on Player #1—you, the teacher. 

Just like kids have learning preferences, homeschool parents have teaching styles. And discovering this concept can be a game-changer for your homeschool. When you understand how you naturally teach—and how it connects with (or differs from) your child’s learning preference—you’ll start to see more “aha!” moments and fewer frustrating ones. 

In this article, we’ll explore what teaching styles are, help you uncover yours, and show you how to adapt it to meet your child’s needs. Ready? Let’s dive in! 

So, what is a teaching style? 

Your teaching style is just what it sounds like: a blend of the strategies and methods you use to instruct others. Most of it is shaped by your personality, values, and educational experiences. Even if you’ve never thought about it, you already have a natural teaching style! 

Common teaching styles 

Teaching styles are as diverse as the shapes in a kaleidoscope—ever-changing, colorful, and uniquely patterned depending on how you turn the lens. Each twist reveals a new combination, just as each homeschool parent brings their own blend of methods, creativity, and personality to teaching. No two views are the same, yet every one has its own beauty and purpose. 

As you think about your own prefers methods of instruction, here are a few teaching styles you might identify with: 

  • The Coach: You guide and inspire, helping your child take ownership of their learning. 
  • The Instructor: You thrive on structure, using detailed plans to meet educational goals. 
  • The Facilitator: You adapt lessons to align with your child’s curiosity and interests. 
  • The Mentor: You share personal stories and passions to make lessons come alive. 
  • The Partner: You embrace learning together, fostering collaboration. 

How to find your teaching style 

Often, finding a teaching style that works means taking a moment to reflect on your strengths, preferences, and past teaching experiences. Asking yourself questions like: 

  • Do I thrive with structure or flexibility?  
  • What kinds of activities energize me during a lesson?
  • How do I connect most with my children when I’m teaching?
  • What feedback has my child given me about our lessons? 

Building a team: The relationship between Player #1 and Player #2 

We’ve been talking about how homeschooling is a team sport involving two players.  

So, now that you know more about each player, you may be wondering where to go from here. How do you apply your newly discovered teaching style to your child’s learning preference? If you prefer a “Coach style” and your child learns best through auditory methods, how can you use that information?

The good news is: your teaching style can be used to support your child’s learning preference. Here are some examples:

If you have a child with a visual preference...

And you have a ______ style:

  • Instructor Style: Use visual aids like charts, whiteboards, and detailed presentations. 
  • Partner Style: Work with your child to create mind maps or colorful posters together. 
  • Coach Style: Guide your child to visually organize their notes or build diagrams to solve problems. 

If you have a child with auditory preference...

And you have a ______ style:

  • Coach Style: Engage in lively discussions, ask reflective questions, and encourage verbal problem-solving. 
  • Mentor Style: Share stories, podcasts, or oral narratives to illustrate key ideas. 
  • Facilitator Style: Provide access to audiobooks or allow your child to teach back concepts verbally. 

If you have a child with a kinesthetic preference...

And you have a ______ style:

  • Facilitator Style: Plan hands-on experiments, crafts, or physical games to reinforce concepts. 
  • Mentor Style: Demonstrate real-world applications, like cooking to teach measurements. 
  • Instructor Style: Incorporate manipulatives like blocks, puzzles, or models for step-by-step lessons. 

These are just a few examples of what’s possible! Experiment with different approaches, observing what feels natural and doable for you in the long run—and what resonates with your child.

This process will help refine your unique style over time. Ultimately, it’s about blending what works for you, as the parent, with what supports your child’s learning.

What if we’re still hitting roadblocks? 

Rather than seeing the teacher-student relationship with your child as a challenge, think of it as a partnership. You and your child are different people, so it’s natural for there to be a mismatch sometimes. Here are some ways to bridge the gap: 

Teach to your child’s strengths

Plan lessons based on your child’s preferences when introducing new or difficult material, even when it’s not most natural for you.

This approach makes learning more engaging and less stressful, allowing your child to connect with the material in a way that feels natural to them. By using their preferred learning methods, whether it’s visual aids, hands-on activities, or discussions, you can foster a deeper understanding and build their confidence. 

Incorporate other learning preferences

Remember that learning preferences are not absolute—we all need different approaches at different times. One day, your child might absorb more by listening to an audiobook, and the next, they might prefer a graphic novel. This is completely normal!

Exposing them to other methods also builds flexibility and resilience and helps your child strengthen their problem-solving skills. Overall, it makes their learning a more well-rounded and adaptable experience. 

Collaborate with your child

Invite your child to contribute ideas on how they’d like to learn. This encourages them to take ownership of their education and fosters a sense of agency. It also helps you discover new ways to make learning exciting and effective, aligning lessons with their interests and strengths. 

Utilize outside resources

Sometimes, finding tutors or co-op classes tailored to your child’s learning preference is just the answer you need for a challenging subject! 

Finding balance in your approach

Homeschooling is a dynamic partnership between Player #1 and Player #2—you and your child.  

As the teacher, your role is not to have all the answers but to be a guide, adapting your teaching style to meet your child where they are. This means there’s no “perfect” teaching style—only the one that helps your child thrive. 

This journey is as much about discovering your strengths as it is about understanding theirs. Remember, flexibility and willingness to grow are your greatest tools. 

And remember, you won’t always get it right, and that’s okay! What matters is the effort you put into learning and connecting. Celebrate the small victories, embrace the challenges, and trust that as you adapt, you’re building a learning environment where both you and your child can thrive. You’ve got this! 

In the final article of this series, take a quick tour of the most common educational approaches (i.e., educational philosophies). There’s a wide variety and you might be surprised at your options!