Characteristics of the primary learner include a short attention span and a variable ability to concentrate. Students appear to be easily bored, and it is difficult keeping their attention unless they are interested in the topic at hand. Primary learners enjoy the dramatic and love to explore and discover.
A primary learner will always ask why, and sometimes take things apart to understand how they work. They lack patience for complicated tasks which are difficult for them to understand and can therefore easily become frustrated. Primary learners have a vivid and creative imagination and seem to lack fear of activities that could be dangerous.
Teachers should be aware that there are, in all probability, several primary learners in each classroom they teach. The same teaching style that works for primary learners will also work well for the classroom in general. Incorporating auditory, visual and hands-on teaching styles all at once provides learners with three ways to assimilate information. Repetition of information is also important for primary learners to retain information in their long-term memories.
Social considerations should be implemented into any program that teaches primary children. It is a mistake to assume that social skills and common courtesies are learned and mastered in the home. Primary children often take much more time learning social skills such as empathy than the average child and need extra support in these areas. Having children work in small groups and with partners allows them to learn cooperation, frustration control and the ability to empathize with others.
Primary children cannot be taught a concept without knowing why. If they are not allowed to do something then they need to know why. Teachers can't simply say because I said so. These children will often be disruptive in the classroom. Their brains are continually processing the information that they receive, and because they are impatient, they often blurt out questions to clarify their understanding of the topic at hand.
It may appear that primary learners have impulse control disorders but they are simply enthusiastic about what they are learning. Again, focus on helping primary learners master social skills. This is an area where you will often notice weaknesses.