BEST TEACHING METHODS

Keep motivation intrinsic

Young children are generally motivated to learn about
everything. Unless they have been made fun of regularly, when
investigating or presenting their knowledge, they usually have a
strong desire to find out and share information.

One of the best teaching methods is to motivate children by

modeling enthusiasm and curiosity. Motivation comes from
within (intrinsic) and from outside (extrinsic). Making too much
fuss of any one child can result in a competitive attitude in the
class. Model curiosity and asking questions about the topics
studied.

Reinforce thinking processes rather than praising the

child. Try, “That is an interesting way that you sorted your
blocks. Tell me what you were thinking.” Then, “Sarah sorted
her blocks in a different way. Both ways of sorting are
interesting.”
Have children describe or share their
new knowledge regularly
When children have an opportunity to communicate their new
knowledge to patient adults it helps solidify concepts. It often
takes children time to find the correct words to explain their
thinking.

 Supply the students with descriptive words as they are

playing or working, e.g. “Notice how dull those rocks are,
the other ones are shiny”. This extends their vocabulary
and increases their ability to share new discoveries.

Remember that children  need  to be

active
If kindergarten students have been sitting still too long, they
will quickly let you know when it’s time to move.

 Well-planned, interesting learning plans fail if the children

need a break.

o Go for walks around the school, jump up and down,
act out a story, do anything that gets the blood
pumping around. It results in good circulation and
more alert studentsScheduling lots of movement
breaks throughout the day is an invaluable best
teaching practice. 
Be Sensitive to Children’s Needs
One thing I learned early in my teaching career is that learning
doesn’t happen if a child is over tired, hungry, upset, scared or
worried. Learning to be flexible and understanding with young
children is a skill that will serve you well in your educational
career. At times, children need to get away from everyone and

be left alone.

A small space, such as under your desk, works well for some

students who are too overwhelmed by home or other
circumstances, to cope with their peers or their teacher.

If a student is hungry, it’s easier to let her eat part of her lunch
early or to provide a snack, than to try to force the child to
concentrate on a task until the scheduled eating time.

Inexperienced teachers sometimes misinterpret a child’s

unwillingness to participate as stubbornness or bad
behavior. It’s good to remember…

 That children often do not have the vocabulary to express

themselves.
 To use reflective listening to help children
understand what is upsetting them.
 That sometimes children work well in groups and this
helps them learn to share and develop ideas and at other
times they need to be alone with ample time to figure
things out.
 To relax and have fun with your students!
Summary
Maintain a classroom atmosphere of warmth and
acceptance.For some kindergarten children, your classroom will
be one of the few places where their opinions and ideas have
been heard and valued.