How do you teach pre-primary students?
Teach pre-primary students through play, hands-on activities, stories, songs and conversation, in short sessions within a predictable routine. Create a warm, print-rich classroom with learning corners, use a mix of methods (visual, physical, spoken), build strong relationships with each child, read aloud every day, and observe children to plan the next step. Avoid long lectures and worksheet drills.
What this means in practice
The best approach also depends on each child's age, development and needs, so the same activity is often offered at two or three levels.
Five core strategies
- Create a positive, welcoming classroom with materials at child height
- Use varied methods: storytelling, songs, games, movement and hands-on tasks
- Make play the main way of learning, with guided play for specific goals
- Foster a love of reading through daily read-alouds and a print-rich room
- Build positive relationships: know each child, praise effort, listen
A typical lesson shape
A two-minute warm-up song, a 10 to 15-minute hands-on activity in small groups, a short review, and a calm transition to the next part of the day.
Linking to the curriculum
In India, plan with the NCF-FS goals: health and wellbeing, effective communication and involved learning. Abroad, use your school's framework, such as EYFS or the Kenyan CBC.
Practical next steps
- Set up three or four learning corners.
- Plan a weekly theme.
- Read aloud daily.
- Observe two children a day and note next steps.
Common follow-up questions
Should pre-primary children have homework?
Little or none; play-based activities at home are better.
How long should a pre-primary lesson be?
About 20 to 30 minutes including warm-up and review, with shorter parts for younger children.
Sources
- NCERT: National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage 2022
- Education Endowment Foundation: Early Years Toolkit
- UNICEF: Learning through play
Course facts from APTTI's published course pages, checked 10 October 2026. Editorial policy.