One thing we strive for here in our homeschool is to help our children become critical thinkers and independent learners. When hearing about the book TEACH: Creating Independently Responsible Learners by Dennis DiNoia, I knew this was a book I needed to read to help cultivate this in our homeschool.
This post is sponsored by TEACH by Dennis DiNoia. My time was compensated however all opinions are my own.
Who is Dennis DiNoia?
You may be familiar with Dennis from Mr. D. Math, who offers self-paced online homeschool classes like this Blockchain course and this Sign Language course. Dennis has over 30 years of experience as an educator. He was a public school math teacher for many years and now serves the homeschool community.
What is TEACH by Dennis DiNoia?
During his years of teaching, Dennis helped his students unlock their potential by teaching them to take ownership of their own work and is now sharing that wisdom in his book, TEACH by Dennis DiNoia. He shares tips on how to help your child become a responsible independent learner that is beneficial for the present but will last a lifetime.
Here’s the chapter outline for the book:
- Chapter 1: An Accidental Discovery
- Chapter 2: The Independently Responsible Learner
- Chapter 3: The Student is the Teacher
- Chapter 4: Checking Your Own Work
- Chapter 5: Present Yourself
- Chapter 6: Testing, Testing, 1-2-3
- Chapter 7: Learning How to Think
- Chapter 8: Do What You Love To Do
- Chapter 9: Mastermind
- Chapter 10: The Parent is the Coach
- Bonus Chapter: Goal Setting
Why I Think Teaching Independent Responsible Learners Matters
One of the goals of homeschooling isn’t simply to help our children complete today’s assignments. It’s to prepare them for the responsibilities God has placed before them in the future.
As Christian parents, we’re called to raise children who love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Part of that calling includes teaching them how to take ownership of their work, manage their time wisely, and faithfully carry out the tasks they’ve been given.
When children learn to work independently, they’re also learning good stewardship. They’re developing habits like diligence, self-discipline, perseverance, and personal responsibility—qualities that will serve them well far beyond their homeschool years. Whether they are completing schoolwork, serving in their local church, pursuing a career, or caring for a family of their own someday, these habits help prepare them to faithfully steward the gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities God entrusts to them.
Teaching independent learners doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience, guidance, and consistent encouragement. But over time, our role begins to shift from doing everything for our children to equipping them to work with confidence and wisdom on their own. That transition is one of the many blessings of homeschooling, and it’s an investment that can bear fruit for years to come.
How Much Is TEACH?
TEACH is available to purchase on Kindle, Audiobook and Paperback.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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TEACH: Creating Independently Responsible Learners | Buy on Amazon |
My Thoughts On TEACH
This book is a fairly quick read and is one of those books that has so many nuggets of wisdom that is easy to implement. There’s no need to take drastic measures to be successful.
For instance, I have been encouraging my oldest daughter to take ownership of her math by checking her work at least twice before asking for help. Many times she finds that she can solve the problem herself and it makes her very proud of herself.
I love the fresh ideas that help me stay on track teaching independent responsible learners in our home. This is a book I would recommend for every homeschool mom to read, especially if you’re new to homeschooling.
What are some ways you encourage your children to be responsible independent learners? If you’re not sure, get TEACH by Dennis DiNoia to help.
Giveaway Time
It’s almost time for another homeschool year, and that means many of us are making curriculum decisions, planning lessons, and preparing for everything a new school year brings.
Whether you’re homeschooling one child or several, curriculum costs can add up quickly. That’s why a group of homeschool bloggers has come together once again for our 13th Annual Back to Homeschool Giveaway!
This year, three homeschool families will each win a $200 gift card to the homeschool curriculum company of their choice. Whether your family uses The Good & the Beautiful, Gather Round, Notgrass, My Father’s World, Rainbow Resource, or another favorite publisher, you get to decide where to use your prize.
The giveaway runs July 15 through July 24, so be sure to enter before it closes.
Simply complete the entries in the SweepWidget form below. Every participating blogger has helped make this giveaway possible, and each completed entry gives you another opportunity to win.
We hope this giveaway is a blessing to your family and helps make your homeschool year a little more affordable.
Giveaway ends July 24, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Three winners will each receive a $200 gift card to the homeschool curriculum company of their choice. Winners will be selected and notified by email shortly after the giveaway ends and will have 48 hours to claim their prize.
By entering this giveaway, you agree to be added to the email lists of the participating homeschool bloggers. Please review the official Terms & Conditions before entering.
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