DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICES

Teacher Qualities

Active Learning - actively involved and engaged in the learning by doing, seeing, and thinking.

Passive Learning - sitting and listening without interaction.

Forms of Education ADULT DIRECTED

Teacher decides what to do and how to do it. Pre-cut, pre-drawn, instructions on how to assemble it. File folder games

Children exposed to Adult Directed Learning: Learn to be non-risk takers Learn to be non-thinkers Learn that they are incapable and dumb

ADULT INITIATED Child has creativity, but adult initiates the idea of making

something and chooses the supplies that will be used to make it. paper, cotton, glue.. Now use these to make…

CHILD DIRECTED, CHILD INITITATED, and

TEACHER SUPPORTED Child decides what to do, the

idea, and the material to use. Adult follows the child's lead. Silent Observe Understand Listen

DIP Lesson vs. DAP LessonDEFINE (DAP) DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICE

Nobody learns

anything sitting on

their bottoms!

APPLE DAY

Why DAP Works Tell me….

I forget

Show me….I remember

Involve me and let me experience it….I understand

ACTIVE DAP CHILD INITIATED LEARNING by doing

Hands on experiences

when using their senses Seeing, touching, hearing, smelling, tasting

through trial and error Actively explore and experiment

when all areas of development are nurtured Physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and moral

through positive reinforcement Praise, encouragement, and recognition

acquiring and experimenting new behaviors through imitation and role modeling.

Positive Words and actions to learn and imitate

Learning is a walk of discovery, not a race to the finish line.

A child experience instead of a follow

the teacher experience

ANIMAL SCHOOL

“We have enough color by number people. We need more

kids playing, experimenting, and running around.”

“Where does it say that our age is too old to play? Nobody does enough “baby stuff” anymore. It

all begins with PLAY!!!”• Bev Boss

Developmentally Appropriate is also: Age appropriate

Predictable sequence of stages used as a guideline

Individual appropriate Each child is unique in personality, learning styles,

and family background Children are evaluated according to their individual

differences. Based on observation and evaluation of

each child.

Multi cultural and Non- sexist activities, materials, and equipment.

Uninhibited active exploration with investigation full of language. Instead of quietly listening children should be expected

to actively participate. If the children are not questioning, commenting, or

interrupting, (appropriately) something is wrong.

High quality learning is often noisy with laughter, questions, and talking.

Seed plant

ConcreteHands on, touch, manipulate, 5 sensesLearning by doing

RelevantThe child’s Interests

RealThe child’s world

Developmentally Appropriate is: New Challenges or mysteries to solve

on their own. Promotes curiosity Promotes autonomy (independence)

NOT TIME SCHEDULED Time to explore as long as the child wants. Free choice in which the child can move freely

between activities. centers

Balance of passive / rest time and active movement throughout the day.

TEACHING GROUPS2nd ROTATION

Toddler – ART single lesson Infant – MUSIC single

lesson

3rd ROTATION Preschool – Entire

lesson

Rough Draft is Due:______________________

DAP Learning Centers• Areas should relate to the theme of the week.• Do not include every type of learning center every week

• By rotating the centers you will keep the children’s interest and excitement for learning.

Art• Promotes physical, social, emotional, and cognitive

growth in children.

Pre-Math• Should be hands-on, filled with play, and exploration.

Language - Pre-Reading/Literacy• Allows for a more quiet, calm area in the child care center.

Science and Discovery• Provides a way for children to learn about their natural

interests and excitement about the world around them.

Sensory

• Helps children use their senses.

Music and Movement• Provides opportunities to explore sound, rhythm, beat and

tone.

Dramatic Play and Free Play

• Children love to pretend and play make-believe.

• This fantasy play provides opportunities for growth and development and encourages experimentation and discovery.

Blocks and Building• One of the most important materials in a child care center.

Fine Motor and Manipulatives• Using the small muscles to complete a task..

Large Motor and Outside Play• Usually playground equipment but can use inexpensive

items also.

Food and Nutrition Experiences• Involves preparing foods, setting the table, eating snacks

and meals, and cleaning up.• Provide skills that prepare children for an independent

lifetime.