Before starting a new chapter from a textbook, a teacher should at first focus on ________.

The correct option is relating the story with the previous experiences of learners.

Before introducing a new chapter or topic from a textbook, effective pedagogical practice suggests that a teacher should begin by connecting the new material to the students' prior knowledge and experiences. This technique, often referred to as activating schema, builds a bridge between what learners already know and what they are about to learn.

Why this approach is ideal:
1. Enhances Comprehension and Engagement: When students can relate a story or lesson to their personal life experiences, the subject matter becomes more meaningful and engaging for them.
2. Facilitates Constructivist Learning: Learning is an active process where new ideas are constructed based on current or past knowledge. Connecting to prior experiences helps learners process and assimilate new information more effectively.
3. Builds Curiosity: Starting with familiar context lowers anxiety and sparks interest before delving into text-specific details such as writer profile, history, or difficult vocabulary.

Therefore, focusing first on relating the story with the previous experiences of learners creates an optimal environment for introducing a new chapter.