The sooner a pilot learns to:
1) select and maintain a visual attitude
2) accurately trim to maintain that attitude (and retrim for every power, configuration and speed change)
3) maintain a good lookout while doing the above,
the sooner you can start teaching them to fly.
Essential building blocks, not to be modified according to whether you are in the circuit or not. Topper, you are describing how to thoroughly confuse a student, not teach them!