Editor’s note: This column first appeared in The News on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021.

I am the mother of eight children. Years ago, when St. Mary Catholic School was overcrowded, I received a note from the school telling me I would need to teach my son, who was in fourth grade, half days. He would go to school half a day and be homeschooled half a day, every day.

I was not a teacher. I had my hands full taking care of my family and my home. I had no idea how to teach reading, writing, arithmetic, and all the subjects a fourth-grader needs.

I took my child out of St. Mary School and put him in Lincoln School, even though the church was teaching, “Catholics had to send their children to a Catholic school.”

We were threatened with the loss of heaven and the pains of hell!

It was then that parents, although good Catholics, needed to put their “thinking caps” on and make some difficult decisions.

Anyway, now families are again in a difficult position, needing to put food on the table, keep safe, and teach their children. Education is soooooo important! I have gone back to school and have become an elementary school teacher. Now, being retired after teaching in the Alpena Public Schools system for 25 years, my head is good and I would like to share with parents a few facts about teaching.

If, after a child has been in school all day, you ask him or her, “What did you learn in school today?” They will tell you, “Nothing!” That is because children are taught small amounts every day. They wouldn’t/couldn’t do a lot at one time. So:

1. When you are teaching children, remember, a little goes a long way.

2. You need to know where your child is competent.

3. Lessons need to be exciting, interesting and fun.

4. Treat yourself — take a break.

If you watch anyone doing something that is exciting, interesting, or fun for them, notice how much time they will spend on that activity. Now you know how long their attention span is.

For reading competency, have the student read any paragraph in a book that you feel is appropriate. If the student is able to read and understand that paragraph, you don’t need to teach that grade level. Go on to the next level. You could use this method for any child with any subject. Allow a student to enjoy subjects on their own whenever they are able. A parent just needs to oversee their work sometimes.

Compliment them on their work, on what they do well. Display their work. Show appreciation. SMILE. Students do well for teachers they like.

Go on a field trip! SAY WHAT? A television show, a call to grandparents or a friend, help Mom or Dad make cookies. Break up the day. Teach for 20 or 30 minutes. Have the student read, write or draw about what you have been teaching, then allow them 20 or 30 minutes of free time.

Treat yourself to a cup of tea, a yogurt, a storybook, or something. I’ll see you next time. You can do it!

Willieoma Roznowski is a retired schoolteacher who taught for 25 years in the Alpena Public Schools. She loves calling Alpena her home. To reach her, call 989-464-0417 and leave a message.