Letter #9 — Teach What You Learn: The Secret to Understanding Everything Better

Dear children,

I wanted to write this letter because of something your science teacher said recently — something that stuck with me; which was, “Whenever you learn something new, teach it to someone else.”

We’ve always been saying this but when it came from another teacher it just helped reinforce that advice. Afterall, its a very smart thing you can do.

When you teach others, you’re not just helping them — you’re strengthening your own understanding too.

Psychologists call this The Protégé Effect — the idea that explaining something to others helps your brain organise thoughts in a clear, logical order. When you teach, your brain shifts from just remembering to truly understanding. You begin to spot gaps in your knowledge, ask better questions, and think more deeply.

It’s a life skill that goes far beyond the classroom.

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🧠 Clear Thinking = Clear Speaking

In order to teach something, you must first understand it properly. That means slowing down, simplifying that new knowledge and then explaining it in a way that makes sense to someone else.

This helps you think in a methodical, logical way and you will learn to build your thoughts like steps on a ladder, one leading smoothly to the next. If you don’t understand 1 step, then compounding knowledge will just make it harder for you to understand what is happening.

This tidy method of learning and teaching will help you will also helps you retain information for your exams. And on top of that — it’s a skill that will help you communicate better in every part of life: explaining your ideas in work, solving problems in business, even expressing feelings in relationships.

The clearer your mind, the clearer your words.

So when you speak, try to be calm, concise, and confident. Get to the point and make sure your listener understands it too. And if they don’t understand, then use this as an opportunity to learn how to make them learn it. Tweak your style, add examples if needed, but whatever you do, don’t ramble.

Good communicators are like good teachers — they make things easier to grasp.

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💛 Teaching Others Is an Act of Kindness

I hope you will remember the days where I would tell the older children to teach the younger children. and when you would respond with ‘no’. I would then remind you that you are doing a kind thing, not just for your mother, but for your siblings as well. When you share what you know, you’re giving a gift.

You’re saying, “I want you to grow too.” 🙂

And that’s a beautiful habit to build. It means you don’t hoard knowledge, instead, you share it freely and lovingly. Remember my repeated words: You should want for others what you want for yourself. This is a very selfless feeling to have and its one that you should all strive to feel.

Every time you help someone understand something, you’re spreading good energy. You’re showing patience, humility, and compassion — all qualities of a good leader and a good person.

The world needs more people like that.

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🌱 From Student to Teacher to Leader

Learning how to explain something clearly is the foundation of leadership. Great leaders, whether in science, business, or life, are great teachers. They break down complex ideas into simple truths that others can follow.

So, the next time your teacher asks you to explain a concept to a classmate, take it seriously. You’re not just practising science — you’re practising leadership.

You’re learning how to guide people, communicate clearly with them, and inspire them.

And one day, whether you’re helping a friend understand a problem, training a new team member, or raising your own children — this skill will make you exceptional.

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💬 Try This

Next time you learn something new, teach it to someone within 24 hours — a friend, a sibling, even your parents. Explain it simply, step by step. You’ll notice that the more you teach it, the more it sticks with you.

If you really want to test yourself, try teaching it in two ways:

1. To someone younger than you (so you must simplify it).
2. To someone older (so you must use examples and structure).

You’ll quickly see how your brain adapts and grows stronger each time.

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So now that you know what to do — go apply it.

You’ll learn faster, grow stronger, and feel prouder every time you practise.

And if you’d like help getting started — we’ve made something special for you. ✨
The Teaching & Clarity Pack includes reflection sheets, teaching challenges, and fun activities to help you strengthen your mind and your heart.

👉 [Click here to download your Teaching Pack]

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Love you lots,
Mum and Dad