In incidental teaching, what must occur before the teacher's prompt?

In incidental teaching, the approach is centered on taking advantage of naturally occurring opportunities to promote learning, rather than following a predetermined curriculum. For this method to be effective, the student must initiate interest in something. This is a key aspect because it ensures that the learning process is engaging and relevant to the student's interests, thereby increasing motivation and engagement. The teacher’s prompt comes in response to the student’s expression of interest, allowing for a more natural and meaningful learning experience.

When a student shows interest in a particular item or activity, the teacher can then provide prompts or guidance that are specific to that moment, facilitating learning in a context that is meaningful to the student. This contrasts with other methods where the teacher might take the lead in introducing concepts without the student's interest being a factor. By prioritizing the student's initiative, incidental teaching enhances the likelihood of retention and understanding.