What is considered an essential part of intentional teaching?

Intentional teaching emphasizes the importance of planning and preparing educational experiences that are purposeful and tailored to meet the needs of each learner. Time to plan is essential because it allows educators to think critically about their teaching strategies, set clear learning objectives, and select appropriate methods and materials that align with these goals. By investing time into planning, teachers can create engaging and effective learning environments that foster child development and learning.

In contrast, while student interactions, classroom materials, and assessments are important aspects of teaching, they are not the foundational element that ties the practice of intentional teaching together. These elements can enhance the learning experience but require careful planning to be used effectively. Intentional teaching is fundamentally about the thought and preparation that goes into creating high-quality educational experiences, making time for planning a crucial aspect of the process.