Conceptual teaching involves organizing new knowledge around concepts and schema rather than focusing on discrete facts. It relates new information to students' prior knowledge and experiences. Conceptual teaching differs from traditional methods by focusing on enduring understandings and essential questions rather than standalone topics or standards. Teachers should identify common themes across standards to teach conceptually and help students make connections. The key aspects are engaging students' prior knowledge, teaching facts within conceptual frameworks, and encouraging self-monitoring of learning.