Buiness idea or flop?

[flying_babyb]

I have this idea. I’m not sure it’s a good one but.. Geography lessons for kids. I was thinking I could create a program where I could go to daycares and teach about states and countries and states. It would done with fun activities that encourage learning. Anyone think this would work? Any suggestions on how to make it a profitable idea? I mean I love teaching children. I was thinking it could eaisly become a great buiness, just like the spanish lady who does spanish classes.

 

[IloveDMB]

It is a good idea, and that's the reason why geography is taught in public schools (can't speak for private, as I have no experience with them). I can't see why someone would pay for geography lessons when they are offered for free in school.

If you love teaching, why not become a teacher? Then you would be paid a salary and have benefits.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Daycare seems very young for geography. I don't know.

Are you a teacher? If not go to school and become one. Sounds like you have a calling!

 

[meliss8599]

Not to burst your bubble but, as a former preschool teacher, I honestly don't see much of a demand for geography lessons in a day care. You would mainly be dealing with the 5 and under crowd which doesn't have much of an attention span to begin with(20 minutes max). They are also going to be learning this material as soon as school begins.

Maybe if you incorporate a story and crafts and what not the kids may enjoy it but I REALLY don't see daycare providers jumping at the chance to get geography into their "curriculum". I don't see how it could be oriented to students that young in an effective manner that will really get it to stick. Maybe you could elaborate a little more on your program to help me change my mind.

Sorry for seeming negative but it's the honest reception I think your program would receive. Hopefully you will get other responses that provide a more thorough idea of what you could possibly expect.

 

[flying_babyb]

Thanks for the idea. I have taught geography to the pre K kids. Depending on how you do it, It can be a fun lesson. I am a teacher,but due to the screwed up economy I cant get any work. So im a unemployed teacher whos going to loose everything soon.

 

[OceanAnnie]

If you held puppet shows that highlighted different regions it would be fun to show them where they are on a map and where the story took place (when the story is over). Two for one.

 

[lovetoscrap]

With the economy struggling I can't see daycares/preschoolers paying you to come in and do things that their own teachers can do.

Why not substitute teach? It may not be regular but it is at least some money and you can also work a part time job evenings and weekends. Substituting will also make it easier for you to get a full time job in most districts.

 

[flying_babyb]

I WOULD sub if I could find someone who wanted me. I CANT find anything and at this rate am going to loose my aparment.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Are you sending out resumes everywhere? Maybe you have to move?

Sounds like a tough situation.

Have you tried to get jobs in retail, hospitals, etc.... while you are out of teaching?

DH saw someone who works full time at AT&T last night working at the grocery store. She works 7 days a week, 2 full time jobs right now to make ends meet.

 

[Cindy B]

Cute idea, however social studies is not a tested subject in the standardized assessment tests (only language arts, math and science) for the elementary grades.


Have you applied to various districts? I'm now branching out into different counties because the subbing has dried up a bit in my current district.

Around here districts are hiring aides with a certain amount of college credits and a substitute cert. So if a teacher is out, they can just pull the aide and have them sub.

I hear you. I have two degrees and two teaching certs. I can't find a job worth anything either. My other degree is a writing degree. I applied today for a corporate job as a writing associate. This company was looking for people with English, PR, writing or former language arts teachers.

 

[corndog]

To make it work, you'd have to start a non-profit geography education foundation. You would solicit big donations to fund the outreach program and pay yourself a salary for doing it all.

 

[Aimeedyan]

Honestly, I don't know any preschools or day cares that can afford to pay someone else to come into their rooms. They are hurting as much as anyone else, and typically rarely make much profit even in the good times, so adding an unncessary expense like that would not be an easy sell.

In graduate school I worked in a center and we had a computer person come in, but the parents had to pay a tuition for that class and their child left the room for it. The center did not pay her. We also had a dance, gymnastics, and swim lessons. Same deal - the parents pay extra. As teachers, we were expected to offer a well rounded preschool education in areas that did not require an "expert" like those mentioned above.

 

[flying_babyb]

I know a few centers that pay for spanish classes, computer classes,a gymboree thing. Its cool. Ive applied to any child care job I could find, and then started sending out resumes and cover letters to any daycare that looked instering.

 

[MinnieMe87]

I have this idea. I’m not sure it’s a good one but.. Geography lessons for kids. I was thinking I could create a program where I could go to daycares and teach about states and countries and states. It would done with fun activities that encourage learning. Anyone think this would work? Any suggestions on how to make it a profitable idea? I mean I love teaching children. I was thinking it could eaisly become a great buiness, just like the spanish lady who does spanish classes.

Around here, most daycares do not teach things like that. They have story time and other daily activities but Geography is not one of them. Even the preschools I've been to and shadowed in do not teach Geography. That comes later on in Grade School. I don't know of any daycare or preschool who would pay someone to come in and teach that when they have perfectly good teachers who could do the same if they wanted to. Probably not the answer you were looking for, sorry...I think it'd be a flop.

 

[IloveDMB]

Thanks for the idea. I have taught geography to the pre K kids. Depending on how you do it, It can be a fun lesson. I am a teacher,but due to the screwed up economy I cant get any work. So im a unemployed teacher whos going to loose everything soon.

In what area are you certified to teach? Perhaps you can go back and take the Praxis again, and try to teach a different subject.

I know a few centers that pay for spanish classes, computer classes,a gymboree thing.

I think the reason why centers are paying for Spanish and and computer class are because those are skills that are actually useful these days. No offense, and please don't take this the wrong way, but geography is not a translatable skill these days unless you are going to be a cartographer, tour guide, or geography teacher.

 

[Strangeite]

No offense, and please don't take this the wrong way, but geography is not a translatable skill these days unless you are going to be a cartographer, tour guide, or geography teacher.

No that is just not true and one of my biggest peeves with standarized testing. Yes, geography is more a part of a liberal arts education, but learning of other cultures and the geological make-up of the planet is not just for tour guides. Remember geography is more than lines on a map, it is the science of the entire Earth, its lands, features, topography, inhabitants and systems.

I am not a teacher, but I am a life-long student. Please do not knock Geography.

And to the OP, I am not sure that you have a profitable business model.

 

[flying_babyb]

Im certified for preschool and down. Any suggestions on how to score a job?

 

[Cindy B]

I would also see what you need to get certified in other subjects. I have two certs (Elementary K-5 and Middle School Language Arts). I am also obtaining my Special Ed cert.

I took the Praxis for Special Ed and I only have four extra classes to go. Here's hoping that the third cert is the charm!

Can you get hired out as a nanny/au pair? In my area there are many professional families that hire certified teachers.

Did you try places like a YMCA or other daycare centers?

 

[lovetoscrap]

If you are degreed and certified for Preschool then make sure you stress that when job hunting and try all avenues. Turn over is high in preschools and most places jump at a degreed and certified teacher because it really looks good in their stats!

Pay may not be ideal but again, you can work nights and weekends elsewhere if needed.

 

[IloveDMB]

Im certified for preschool and down. Any suggestions on how to score a job?

Hmm, maybe you need to expand? I'm not sure what "down" means, but your options are pretty limited.

Maybe I'm mixing posters up, but wasn't it you that started the thread the other day about finishing college? If I'm not mistaken, you were not done with college, right? Forgive me if I'm mixing posters hope, but I could swear it was you.

If that was you, I think you need to finish school. You could then teach for real, and it would really open up more opportunities for you.