What are the most effective teaching strategies for elementary students?
Foundations First: Best Practices for Elementary Education
Elementary school is where the foundation for lifelong learning is built. At this stage, students are developing essential academic skills, learning how to work with others, and forming attitudes toward school that often last a lifetime. To make the most of these years, educators must combine research-based instruction, developmentally appropriate practices, and whole-child support.
This post outlines the most effective teaching strategies in key areas - reading, math, behavior, and engagement - to help every child thrive.
An elementary classroom reading corner
Best Practices for Teaching Reading
1. Systematic Phonics and Phonemic Awareness
Explicit instruction in letter-sound relationships helps students decode unfamiliar words and build fluency.
Strategies:
Daily short phonics lessons using a structured scope and sequence
Elkonin boxes or sound mapping to isolate phonemes
Blending drills and word-building activities
Why it works: Mastery of foundational decoding skills is critical for fluent reading.
2. Read-Alouds With Think-Alouds
Modeling reading strategies out loud helps students understand how skilled readers think.
How to implement:
Pause during a read-aloud to model predicting, questioning, or visualizing
Use sentence starters like “This makes me think…” or “I wonder why…”
Why it works: Builds comprehension and metacognitive awareness, especially in early readers.
3. Guided Reading and Small Groups
Use flexible grouping to provide targeted instruction at students’ reading levels.
Use during:
Daily literacy block
Reading centers with rotating teacher-led groups
Intervention periods with progress monitoring
Why it works: Allows for differentiated pacing and skill reinforcement.
Best Practices for Teaching Math
1. Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) Model
Begin with hands-on manipulatives, move to visual representations, then transition to symbolic equations.
Example:
Use counters for addition, then draw pictures, then solve with numbers.
Why it works: Helps students understand the why behind math, not just the how.
2. Math Talks and Number Sense Routines
Encourage discussion, multiple strategies, and flexible thinking.
Try:
“How do you see this number?” with ten frames or dot cards
Daily 3-minute math talks using open-ended questions
Why it works: Builds fluency, confidence, and a growth mindset.
3. Visual Models and Graphic Organizers
Support word problems and multi-step tasks with tools like:
Bar models
Number bonds
Place value charts
Why it works: Supports mathematical reasoning and reduces cognitive load.
Best Practices for Behavior and Social-Emotional Growth
1. Positive Behavior Reinforcement
Catch students doing the right thing and make it visible.
Examples:
Sticker charts, class points, or shout-out boards
“Caught being kind” notes shared schoolwide
Celebrating effort, improvement, and self-control
Why it works: Reinforces desired behaviors while building self-esteem.
2. Responsive Classroom Techniques
Blend academic instruction with social-emotional development.
Core components:
Morning meeting to start the day with connection and structure
Interactive modeling of expectations
Logical consequences instead of punishments
Why it works: Builds a safe, respectful, and inclusive classroom community.
3. Emotional Regulation Tools
Support students in managing big feelings.
Ideas:
Calm corners with sensory tools
Visual feeling charts
SEL check-in routines (“Zones of Regulation,” “Mood Meter”)
Why it works: Helps students self-regulate and return to learning faster.
Best Practices for Engagement and Motivation
1. Choice and Voice
Let students make age-appropriate decisions about their learning.
Try:
Literacy choice boards
Pick-your-own writing topics
Group projects with role selection
Why it works: Increases ownership, autonomy, and motivation.
2. Multisensory Instruction
Incorporate movement, visuals, sound, and touch to reach all learning styles.
Examples:
Letter tracing in sand
Rhythm and chant-based math facts
Acting out science processes or social studies events
Why it works: Activates more areas of the brain, enhancing memory and engagement.
3. Integrated Learning
Combine content areas for richer, more meaningful instruction.
Ideas:
Read picture books about math or science concepts
Research and write about historical events
STEM challenges that include reading and collaboration
Why it works: Supports deeper understanding and real-world relevance.
Final Thoughts: Strong Foundations Build Lifelong Learners
In elementary education, success doesn’t come from flashy tools or fast-paced programs - it comes from consistent, developmentally grounded best practices.
When educators focus on:
Building strong literacy and numeracy skills
Creating emotionally supportive environments
Fostering curiosity and student ownership
…they lay the groundwork not just for academic achievement, but for confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Want to extend your learning?
Read Smooth Transitions Guide: Moving Between Grades — checklists and activities to help students adjust confidently. Also included in the Inclusive & Supportive Teaching Pack.
Smooth Transitions Guide: Moving Between Grades
Why Teachers Love It: Teachers love it because it gives them activities and checklists that help students adjust with confidence during key school transitions.
Build a Caring & Inclusive Classroom - Foster belonging, support student well-being, and guide smooth transitions with this inclusive teaching resource bundle. Why Teachers Love It: Makes it easy to integrate SEL and DEI practices into everyday routines.