What is it?
Most people find it easier to learn something new when they have a bit of background knowledge. Pre-teaching is a strategy that involves teaching students concepts or skills prior to a lesson on the subject. Examples can include:
- teaching new vocabulary items related to a lesson on geography
- explaining new maths concepts prior to a maths class.
The idea is to give the student a ‘preview’ of the lesson that will allow them to put their knowledge to work during the lesson. Pre-teaching can provide students with more knowledge and confidence when approaching a new topic. This can help to increase engagement and reduce frustration.
How do I use it?
Steps in pre-teaching include:
- Identify tasks that cause difficulty for the student
- Identify skills that the student may be missing. These could include skills that they haven’t yet learnt or skills that need more practise before the lesson
- Identify opportunities for teaching the content or skills prior to whole class lessons. Options include;
- lessons with the teacher assistant during class time (out of the classroom)
- small group lesson (2 -3 students only) with the teacher during independent work or group work time
- one-to-one time with the teacher during other sessions.
- Teach the student the information. Consider the use of explicit teaching (explaining), visual supports (e.g. to show the student the information), prompting (see factsheet) and reinforcement (see factsheet).
- Teach the lesson to the whole class as planned. Monitor the student for comprehension (e.g. by asking questions, checking understand of key concepts).
Age group
Appropriate for all ages.
| Preschool | Yes |
| P-2 | Yes |
| 3-6 | Yes |
| High school | Yes |
Where can I learn more?