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Those Who Do Can Teach, Too, With NAHB Help
When Ms. Murphy, a mathematics teacher at R.L. Stone Middle School in Huntsville, Ala., first asked Bob Harris of Alabama Construction & Repairs, LLC to speak to her students about the home building industry, his initial reaction was “No.”
He had never presented to students before and couldn’t really see how what he did every day as a managing member of his general contracting firm that specializes in renovations, repairs and light construction improvements would be of interest to middle schoolers.
But, as he eventually found out, the students were intensely interested.
“I had no idea how many questions the kids would have for me,” said Harris. “They were so interested in building.”
Harris did not go into the classroom cold. He prepped himself with some help from NAHB’s public affairs team and talked to Ms. Murphy’s advanced mathematics class and helped evaluate house drawings that the students had done.
“It was a great learning experience for me, as well for the kids,” Harris said.
The student drawings were impressive, and Harris was surprised at the details the students included.
To encourage the students to pursue their interest in home building, he brought the class NAHB’s interactive teaching tool software program, Building Homes of Our Own, which simulates the entire home building process.
Harris said both the students and the teachers were “thrilled” with the Building Homes of Our Own and were excited to hear about the resources available to them through their local home builders association.
Start Preparing for Next School Year
NAHB has a variety of educational resources for members who are interested in talking to their local schools. PowerPoint presentations, Building Homes of Our Own talking points and other materials are available through the NAHB Web site at www.nahb.org.
For more information, to obtain a free copy of Building Homes of Our Own or for suggestions on approaching educators next school year, e-mail Niki Clark at NAHB, or call here at 800-368-5242 x8061.
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