Developmentally Appropriate Practices ( Kostelnik )

Caitlin's classroom, developmentally appropriate practice also known as DAP was enforced. DAP is "teaching that is age and individually appropriate for each child in a program" (Brewer, p.226) Ms. Caitlin provided an instructional plan which established structure in the classroom. Class rules were presented and clear for each child to abide by. The daily schedule was also posted on the wall for the students to see. Planning and organizing the day is a way to help teachers achieve goals for their students. Children feel secure when

. The blue classroom met DAP practices in that the furniture was sized appropriately to the ages of the children that were in that classroom (approx. 4-5yrs) and in the way classroom was arranged. The centers were easy to access and they were arranged so

1. A developmentally appropriate practice to help and 18 month old to understand be safe rule is presenting a puppet show. For example I would present 3 puppets, One teacher puppet and two toddler puppets. One of the toddler puppets would demonstrate running back and forth in the classroom. The teacher puppet would then explain to the two children the basic ground rules of being safe. Teacher puppet would also mention to the toddler puppets that running in the classroom can give us ouchies. And now the toddler puppets would have a better understanding of being safe.

There is a plethora of child development theories that have a degree of influence over current practice. Each of which both have criticism and contrasting theories.

In order to respond this question, we must first review the history of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) and Early Childhood Education (ECE). Although ECE has been around since the creation of kindergarten in the 1800’s, the decade of the 1980’s was an important period for ECE. “By the 1980’s, meta-analysis of the well-designed US projects offered compelling evidence on the positive outcomes of [early childhood education and intervention]” (Woodhead, 2007). Therefore, there was much pressure to improve the state of education, including ECE. “The decade of the 1980’s saw numerous calls for widespread school reform, with changes recommended in teacher education, graduation requirements, school structure, and accountability measures” (S. Bredekamp, R.A. Knuth, L.G. Kunesh, and D.D. Shulman, 1992). At this time, there was an increasing concern about the quality of early childhood education for the influx number of families that needed it. This led the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to “begin planning a national voluntary accreditation system for early childhood programs”(NAEYC, 2014). With this planning came a need for a more specific description with regards to accreditation guidelines. Therefore, NAEYC issued a formal statement defining DAP.

Several issues are discussed in the NAEYC position statement about Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP). The section points out three main areas that policymakers have addressed because they realize how important these areas are to an early elementary child.

For each activity, two “lesson plans” are given. First there is a general description of the activity. Next, there is a teacher script that includes wording a teacher could use when teaching the lesson.

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), “developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) is an approach to teaching grounded in the research on how young children develop and learn and in what is known about effective early education” (Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) Introduction, n.d.). First adopted in 1986, developmentally appropriate practice is grounded in research on child development and learning, as well as knowledge base in educational effectiveness. The DAP outlines practices intended to promote the goal of young children’s ideal learning and development. As with many approaches, there are some issues that arise regarding developmentally appropriate practice.

Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP), was designed to ensure that youngsters are provided optimal development and learning. This is done by teachers working with young children wherever a child is developmentally and working with them in both a group setting and as individuals. When working with children, the teacher needs to make sure that all children are meeting achievable and challenging goals. The NAEYC developed twelve principles of ensure that children are being provided DAP (“Developmentally Appropriate Practice,” 2009).

Hi-Shandi- as you mentioned the most important pieces of DAP direct environment is how to work and speak with children, as a teacher based on what children need developmentally, by age and stage, individually and culturally to make the most of their educational experiences, and it is important skill for students at every age. Teaching children to do it on their own is the most effective method, because they experience it again and again, then they become to the solution, practice is the best way of learning. Observing and attending around the learning environment helps to assess how children involve to the activity and motivate them to do the activity eagerly when the teacher attend them.

Providing children with an environment that nurtures their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development is the framework that will promote children’s optimal learning and development. Gaining knowledge about the child will help a teacher to develop and create programs that are suitable for the age and the stages of children’s development. Applying developmentally appropriate practices will support the excellence in early childhood education because it is based off of the knowledge of knowing each child as an individual and how they develop.

First off, lets start by explaining what DAP stands for: Developmentally Appropriate Practice. The National Association for the Education of Young Children first published on DAP in 1987. This is a code of ethics which describes the principles and guidelines for teaching children birth- age eight. The NAEYC was revised in 1997 and 2009 on concerns such as learning expectations, curriculum, role of cultural and language, as well as teaching practices. Teaching children in relation to their age, experience, capabilities, and interests is very important.

As proposed by Dymoke and Harrison, good lesson planning is essential to successful teaching in so far as stating, `It is often the case that poor teaching, classroom management and behaviour stem from lack of explicit planning` (2008, p.122) It is suggested then, that thorough planning is fundamental to the successful learning of pupils in many ways. Whilst allowing the teacher to follow a process of thinking, providing a mental practice session if you like, the act of planning therefore becomes an imperative aid for both student and teacher.

What are the key principles of developmentally-appropriate practices? Explain the importance of NAEYC and share some of its goals.

While it may seem very confusing, building a quality lesson plan is actually not difficult. It can also be a very inexpensive way to homeschool. Many lesson plans can be created for free with resources from a public library or museum. The following methods for building homeschool lesson plans will make your homeschool experience more fulfilling.