What skills does a pre-primary teacher need?

By APTTI Educational Content · Updated 2026-10-10 · 2 min read

A pre-primary teacher needs patience, warmth, clear spoken English or the classroom language, storytelling and singing confidence, creativity with simple materials, classroom organisation, observation and record-keeping, basic first aid and hygiene knowledge, and the ability to talk calmly with parents. Most of these skills can be learned and practised during training.

What this means in practice

Schools often test these skills at interview with a demo lesson: a rhyme, a story or a five-minute activity with real or imaginary children.

Core skills

Communication: simple language, expressive voice, active listening
Creativity: turning everyday objects into learning materials
Classroom management: routines, transitions and positive guidance
Observation: noticing and recording what each child can do
Care and safety: hygiene, supervision and first aid
Teamwork with assistants, parents and colleagues

Personal qualities

APTTI's course page lists passion, patience, creativity, communication, love for children, flexibility, organisation and empathy as the qualities of a good pre-primary teacher.

How schools test these skills at interview

Many schools ask for a short demo: telling a story, teaching a rhyme or leading a five-minute activity, sometimes with real children. Interviewers watch your voice, eye contact, warmth, how you handle interruptions and whether you involve every child. They may also ask scenario questions about a crying child, a fight over a toy or a parent complaint. Preparing two demo activities and practising answers aloud makes a big difference. Your training assignments, such as lesson plans and observation notes, also make good evidence to show in a portfolio.

Practical next steps

List your current strengths against the core skills.
Record yourself telling a story and improve pace and expression.
Collect ten low-cost activity ideas.
Take a first-aid course.

ExampleTunde from Lagos was nervous about singing. He practised five action rhymes at home and used them as transitions in his first teaching-practice week.

What to keep in mind: You do not need to be a performer. Consistency, kindness and good routines matter more than talent.

Common follow-up questions

Is English fluency required?

For English-medium and international schools, yes; many schools test spoken English at interview.

Can I learn these skills online?

The theory and planning, yes; practise the classroom skills with real children whenever you can.

Sources

Course facts from APTTI's published course pages, checked 10 October 2026. Editorial policy.