Discover 7 Engaging Ways to Introduce a New Lesson that Every Elementary School Teacher Should Know

• For instance, when introducing the lesson on 'Multiplication Table 7'

While teaching the 'Multiplication Table 7,' divide the students into two teams, each with three members taking turns to write on the board. Team 1 writes the multiplication table for 5, and Team 2 writes the table for 6. In a 2-minute time frame, the team that completes and is accurate wins. After the students finish playing, the teacher uses the two multiplication tables to introduce the lesson: Students have learned and understood how to use multiplication tables 5 and 6 in the lesson, and in addition, they have mastered the multiplication tables. To help the students create the multiplication table 7, the teacher and students explore the lesson 'Multiplication Table 7' together.

As mentioned earlier, the introductory part of a lesson is the first activity that helps students get started with the content. Whether it creates a strong impression and interest depends partly on this activity, and using illustrated images is one of the ways to make a stronger impact. Teachers can provide verbal explanations while showcasing an enlarged, beautiful image for students to observe. From that initial glance, students can perceive a general overview of characters, scenes, objects, or events related to the lesson.

This approach is applicable to introducing subjects like reading, science, history, geography, etc. Teachers should use pictures, maps, and real objects from textbooks or personally prepare them instead of using pictures in books to capture the attention and curiosity of students. Doing so will enhance interest significantly.

For example: Introduce a lesson using images when teaching about traffic safety. For instance, in a lesson about railroad traffic, instead of using pictures, teachers can use a projector to display images related to railroad traffic for students to observe. After the observation, the teacher can ask students to share what they have learned about railroad traffic through the images. This way, the teacher can gauge the students' understanding before diving into the lesson.

Gameplay: Teachers introduce the crossword puzzle by stating the number of rows and columns and revealing the key located in a specific row. Then, the teacher sequentially reads each hint to encourage students to actively solve the crossword puzzle. Correct answers earn points or praise, while incorrect responses pass the opportunity to others. The first person to find the correct and fastest keyword will be the winner.

This game can be applied to all lessons, especially in literature classes. Implement it at the beginning of the class to introduce a new lesson and generate interest among students or use it during review sessions to reinforce the lesson content.

Telling short stories is a method where teachers guide from a story related to the reading to highlight the central theme of the new lesson. When applying this approach, teachers should carefully select concise, relatable short stories that closely align with the lesson content, avoiding lengthy and vague narratives.

For example, introducing the poem 'Child Remembers Uncle Ho' (by Thanh Hai):

The teacher might narrate:

“During a conference in France, Uncle Ho was treated to a lavish banquet. Before leaving, he chose a delicious apple from the table and put it in his pocket. Everyone was astonished, paying attention to this act. As Uncle Ho stepped out, many Vietnamese expatriates and French people were waiting for him. Uncle Ho greeted everyone and didn't forget a mother holding a small child, raising the child and giving the little one the apple. Uncle Ho's gesture shifted the atmosphere from curiosity and surprise to joy and admiration for his generosity.”

The story focuses on whom?

What is Uncle Ho's attitude toward children? (Students answer)

And how do children feel about Uncle Ho? How is it expressed? Students should find the answers through the poem 'Child Remembers Uncle Ho' by the poet Thanh Hai.”

In this approach, teachers explore students' existing knowledge or relate it to the students' real-life experiences. Instead of directly questioning students, teachers can use illustrative images, puppets, or animals familiar to the students to inquire about previously learned concepts or link personal experiences to the new lesson.

Example: Introduce a lesson using a white rabbit storytelling technique when teaching the reading exercise 'Essay Writing - Vietnamese 3.' The teacher can use an image of a white rabbit to lead the story. The white rabbit will act as a conversational partner, asking the students: Hey, everyone, today my mom is away, and she told me to do a certain number of tasks at home. I agreed, but now I can't fulfill them. According to you, how will my mom feel when she comes back? Why? (students answer: She will feel sad because I didn't obey my mom's instructions, didn't keep my promise...) To find out if Liu-xi-a in today's reading exercise did what she said in the essay, let's explore the reading exercise 'Essay Writing.' Alternatively, using a puppet to present necessary content, the teacher can say: Hey, everyone, I've been sick for a few days, couldn't attend school. Today, I'm feeling better, I took out the lesson to study, but it seems challenging. Can you help me, please? (present the necessary questions, exercises) Then summarize the main points and transition to the new lesson for introduction.