What is Intentional Teaching?

Intentional Teaching is a process through which educators develop their professional knowledge and skills with specific goals in mind, taking into account the needs and interests of the children that they teach.

Intentional Teachers...

• Design learning opportunities to meet the individual needs, interests, and prior knowledge of all children.
• Use ongoing assessment practices to make informed curricular decisions and plan instructional strategies and activities.
• Involve children in curricular explorations grounded in rich content (e.g., in science, creative arts, and social studies).
• Engage in high-quality, reciprocal, co-directed conversations with each child, rather than a select few, in learning centers, small groups, and individual teaching moments.
• Learning through play.
• Culturally responsive practice.

Key Components of Intentional Teaching:

When these guidelines are followed in conjunction with one another, educators can form a comprehensive curriculum, classroom, and relationship with each child that will boost all children’s learning and engagement.

• Assessment of diverse young learners.
• Establish a positive classroom climate.
• Linking assessment with curriculum and instruction.