Tools for Teaching Conceptual Understanding, Elementary

Harness natural curiosity for conceptual understanding!

Young children are naturally curious, asking deep questions about complex concepts. This tendency is a talent that can be nurtured so that children grow to be deep thinkers and innovators later in life. However, in our complex world, it is impossible to teach students everything they need to know. Pushing more factual content ignores what we know about how children learn and endangers their love of learning. Concept-based teaching helps young learners uncover conceptual relationships in a way that is developmentally appropriate. Readers of this guide will learn:  

• Why conceptual learning is a natural fit for children
• Strategies for introducing conceptual learning
• Instructional strategies to help students uncover and transfer concepts
• How to write lessons, assess understanding, and differentiate in a concept-based classroom
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