EDGE Method for Teaching Skills

EDGE Lesson Plan Template – to use in preparation for skills instruction

The latest Boy Scout requirements for Tenderfoot and Life ranks require the Scout to use the EDGE method. This is a four step method for teaching a skill.  EDGE is very basic, but it really does work.

The EDGE method is a four step method for teaching a skill:

• Explain
• Demonstrate
• Guide
• Enable

Explain

First explain what you will be doing. Tell them the steps involved. Visual aids might be helpful for this step. Use questions to gauge their understanding.

Demonstrate

Show them how to do the skill. Demonstrate the steps using the actual materials. Describe what you are doing.

Guide

Let them practice the skill. Guide and coach them as they try to do it themselves. This step will take the most time.

Enable

Enable them by letting them do the skill themselves without any intervention.