DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICES

DIP Lesson vs. DAP Lesson DEFINE (DAP) DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICE Nobody learns anything sitting on their bottoms!

Why DAP Works Tell me…. I forget Show me…. I remember Involve me…. I understand

APPLE DAY

Types of Learning ACTIVE vs. PASSIVE LEARNING 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 ADULT INITIATED  Child has creativity, but adult initiates the idea of making something and chooses the supplies to be used. paper, cotton, glue.. Now use these to make…  Children exposed to Adult directed learn to be non-risk takers, non- thinkers, and that they are incapable and dumb.

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.

5 ingredients for DAP ACTIVE Child Initiated Learning Materials…. For each child to use Manipulation…. Of the materials by the child, hands on interaction Choice….By the child of what to do with the materials Language….From the child talking about what they are doing, seeing, thinking Support….From adults and peers. Silent Observe Understand Listen -As adults we do too much talking and interfering

Learning should be a walk of discovery, not a race to the finish line. A child experience instead of a follow the teacher experience

Children learn best …. 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 when they acquire and experiment with new behaviors through imitation and role modeling. Positive Words and actions to learn and imitate

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: 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. Both are based on observation and evaluation of each child.

Developmentally Appropriate is focus on all 5 areas of development:  Physical  Emotional  Social  Cognitive  Moral

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

Concrete  Hands on, touch, manipulate  Learn by do Relevant  Interests Real  The child’s world

A variety of stimuli, activities, and materials to encourage uninhibited active exploration and investigation. New Challenges or mysteries to solve on their own.  Adults help kids too much.

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.

DAP Atmosphere is: High quality play is often noisy with laughter, questions, and talking. Instead of quietly listening children should be expected to actively participate. If the children are not questioning, commenting, or interrupting, (appropriately) something is wrong. Seed plant

QUALITY DAP TEACHERS KNOW THAT: Children are active not passive learners. Children desire autonomy (independence) Children are curious. Children are playful. Children are our future.

QUALITY DAP TEACHERS KNOW THAT Children are Active (not passive) Learners so they.. Give children opportunities for gross motor activities each day. Keep inactive segments short. Provide free-choice periods. Adapt to differing styles and abilities Provide many opportunities for children to communicate Facilitate successful completion of tasks. Recognize that children learn through trial and error.

QUALITY DAP TEACHERS KNOW THAT Children are Curious so they.. Build activities around children’s interests. Provide many chances for children to explore. Encourage children to pose problems and investigate solution. Facilitates development of self control Allow for increasing independence as child acquires skills

QUALITY DAP TEACHERS KNOW THAT Children are Playful so they.. Integrate play throughout the day. Provide variety of props and manipulative objects. Encourage children to create and use their own ideas. Create a classroom design and schedule that allows children to move about freely. Recognize that high quality play is often noisy. Make it fun by teaching with excitement and enthusiasm for learning. Risk looking silly, loosing perfect discipline, and showing emotion. Experience it with the child because learning should be a walk of discovery, not a race to the finish line.

QUALITY DAP TEACHERS KNOW THAT Children are our Future so they.. Respond quickly to each child’s needs Be alert to signs of stress in children’s behavior. Build self-concept by  Respecting, Accepting, and Comforting the child regardless of the behavior

DAP Learning Centers Most child care programs are designed with common activity or interest centers in the room. Areas should relate to the theme of the week. Do not include every type of learning center every week Be wise in your choice of areas, what you put in them, and how you set them up. By rotating the centers you will keep the children’s interest.

Art Promotes physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth in children.

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.

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

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

Science 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 Provides opportunities to explore sound, rhythm, beat and tone.

Dramatic Play Children love to pretend and play make-believe. This fantasy play provides opportunities for growth and development and encourages experimentation and discovery.

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

Movement (Gross and Fine) A natural way for children to express their energy.

Outside Play Usually playground equipment but can use inexpensive items also.