There are several different ways to approach teaching elementary education. It may seem impossible to only choose one approach, and many teachers might find that the best tip they receive is to use a blend of methods in their classrooms. Understanding different learning styles, such as audio, visual, and tactile, often helps educators choose a variety of teaching tactics that will benefit their students. Typically, elementary students will also learn better when their lessons are interactive and enjoyable. Planning educational games and creative activities that get the students out of their seats could make an effective supplemental lesson plan, along with the traditional worksheets and homework.
In the beginning of the school year, many teachers will try to get to know their students’ individual learning styles and interests. Most children can be divided into three learning styles: visual, audio, and tactile. To best engage the class, a teacher typically tries to present information three times — once visually, once audibly, and a final round with the children working with their hands.
When teaching elementary education, interactive learning can help keep the children engaged in the classroom activity, while also making the daily lessons entertaining for the kids. If the students are enjoying themselves, they will usually learn the information thoroughly. Teachers can create interactive learning experiences by creating educational games, out-of-seat activities, and group creative projects that complement the lesson plans.
On top of teaching hard facts to his students, many effective elementary educators will also teach students how to learn. Teachers can accomplish this by regularly teaching his classroom study tips, such as making flash cards or practicing time management techniques. Facts might fade from a young student’s mind in the years to come, but learning habits will serve her throughout her entire education.
Time management can be taught when teaching elementary education by assigning long-term individual projects for each student to complete. Teachers can guide their students through the work by creating a schedule that breaks the large project into several smaller assignments. These milestones will each have a separate due date, and the project will be accomplished one step at a time. Independent projects can also give the students an opportunity to learn about something they are personally interested in, rather than just the material the school requires them to study.
Even the best methods of teaching elementary education can go nowhere if a teacher spends the majority of her classroom time struggling to manage the classroom. Practical discipline techniques are necessary for a learning environment. Many effective teachers are careful to always remain steady with their rules. Students often thrive in environments where they know the rules, understand the consequences, and aren’t confused by a teacher’s inconsistent approach to rule-breaking.
Another way to encourage good behavior when teaching elementary education is to set up a positive reinforcement system. Children who behave well could be rewarded with stickers or “classroom bucks” that they can use to buy small toys or treats once a month from the teacher’s store.
