Students at the preschool and elementary level require active learning to fully gain the knowledge that is required. For example, a young child learning about objects that sink and float will learn much more from testing some objects out in a bucket than from memorizing the explanation for why less dense objects float. The teacher should engage students in activities that help them figure out the information on their own (active learn) rather than forcing them to passively accept what you say.
Especially in a heterogeneous classroom that practices inclusion, the students in preschool and elementary school classes may be at extremely different levels. Therefore, the teacher probably needs to provide them with some sort of differentiation, in which she creates separate materials. Some of these materials will challenge the stronger students in the class, and others will support the weaker students to gain necessary skills. This technique may require the use of leveled readers or worksheets, as well as different groupings.
There are three main learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Each of these learning styles must be approached differently both at the preschool and elementary school levels. Visual learners tend to learn best by viewing demonstrations, creating charts and reading silently. Auditory learners tend to learn best by listening to a teacher's explanation, joining class discussions and reading aloud. Kinesthetic learners tend to learn best by actively doing things to take part in the lesson. Especially during these years, teachers should make sure to take these learning styles into account.
At the high school levels, academics are the primary focus. At the preschool and elementary school levels, academics should take a back seat to learning life skills. Examples of life skills that should be taught at these levels include social skills and study skills, both of which will be important in students' lives both during and after school. Preschool teachers should emphasize sharing and taking turns, whereas elementary school teachers may emphasize working in groups and complex conflict resolution.