What Are Appropriate Teaching Methods for Elementary Students?

When you're teaching elementary students, you need to use appropriate teaching methods. Lessons in an elementary classroom should be structured very differently from lessons in a middle or high school classroom because elementary students are at a different developmental level.

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What Are Appropriate Teaching Methods For Elementary Students?

Elementary students often learn best with hands-on methods. For example, they are less likely to understand the concept of multiplication if you simply explain it. If you let them experiment with manipulatives, though, they are likely to understand and remember how division works.

Elementary kids also learn best with short bursts of instruction. They don't tend to have long attention spans and can't concentrate on the same activity for more than about thirty minutes. Plan several short activities to teach a concept rather than a long lesson.

Elementary kids also need a lot of supported practice. When you first introduce a new concept, model it several times. Next, take students through guided practice. Finally, let them practice independently.

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