Teaching advice?

[boloneyman]

So I am teaching my first Chess lesson this Thursday to a group of kids ranging from third to sixth grade. Can anyone who was or currently is a teacher/tutor give me some dos and don'ts? Or anyone who has noticed effective teaching skills from teachers in school? What are good ways of keeping them focused and interested?

[Straight-Edge]

Make constant reference to trendy things, like facebook and guitar hero.

[thecoreman]

Well, I teach guitar, so I'm only good in 1-on-1 situations so far, but in my opinion it's important to be there with a plan A, plan B, and the ability to improvise a plan C. For example, I was showing this kid how to play a certain classical piece on guitar, and he yawned, so I tought him how to play the blues. Simple as that. If you teach them classical games in the history of chess, and they throw a fit in the name of being bored, teach them opening startagies.

If you feel that improvising hurts your general teaching plan, just go with the Police Negotiation Team stratagy - If the criminal puts up his fists, take out your knife. If he has a knife, take out you gun. If he has a gun, use a nuclear missile. Bottem line - if they are not willing to learn, make them willing until they do. Remember though, the punisment/reward system works a whole lot better with the rewards.

About interaction, you should stay cool and distant until they do something which requires a reward, and then 'open up'. Make sure everything is in the range of normal - have a sense of humor, but don't be a comidian. Be smart, but don't be a snob. Be nice, but not motherly. etc. etc.

Good luck!