Developmentally Appropriate Practice Essay
Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) refers to developing a framework for providing children experiences and activities that are age, individually, as well as socially and culturally appropriate (NAEYC, 2009). There are specific benchmarks that students are
“supposed” to reach at each age group and level. Beginning at birth we have expectations on our children as to what they are supposed to be doing and when. These expectations being met, are how we determine if our students are on target, so to speak. The idea of DAP takes those expectations and makes sure that the activities and experiences you are providing to help them reach these benchmarks are in line with what is best for children on every level individually.
The more we learn …show more content…
Another unrealistic idea is to expect a group of three year old children to sit in a group time for an hour, with no type of physical movement. The idea of trying to get a large group of three year olds to sit for an extended amount of time, without talking or moving, is not only unrealistic it just won’t happen. Those type of expectations in an early childhood classroom are the source of so much frustration of both sides.
Knowing about how children develop and learn best in the age group you are teaching is critical to the success of both the children and the teacher. In a pre-K classroom, having a group time to read aloud a story, relating to the weekly theme, is a better choice. You would allow children to discuss their thoughts as you are reading. Asking questions, to help it relate to their own lives or personal knowledge, may trigger thoughts and ideas that make the story more meaningful for them and their classmates. You could then have those children come to the table with the teacher in small group. If the theme was Imagination, and the story was “The Three
Little Pigs”, the children could be given the art supplies to create a picture corresponding to the story. They could build their own house out of bricks, straw, or sticks. They may also choose
“supposed” to reach at each age group and level. Beginning at birth we have expectations on our children as to what they are supposed to be doing and when. These expectations being met, are how we determine if our students are on target, so to speak. The idea of DAP takes those expectations and makes sure that the activities and experiences you are providing to help them reach these benchmarks are in line with what is best for children on every level individually.
The more we learn …show more content…
Another unrealistic idea is to expect a group of three year old children to sit in a group time for an hour, with no type of physical movement. The idea of trying to get a large group of three year olds to sit for an extended amount of time, without talking or moving, is not only unrealistic it just won’t happen. Those type of expectations in an early childhood classroom are the source of so much frustration of both sides.
Knowing about how children develop and learn best in the age group you are teaching is critical to the success of both the children and the teacher. In a pre-K classroom, having a group time to read aloud a story, relating to the weekly theme, is a better choice. You would allow children to discuss their thoughts as you are reading. Asking questions, to help it relate to their own lives or personal knowledge, may trigger thoughts and ideas that make the story more meaningful for them and their classmates. You could then have those children come to the table with the teacher in small group. If the theme was Imagination, and the story was “The Three
Little Pigs”, the children could be given the art supplies to create a picture corresponding to the story. They could build their own house out of bricks, straw, or sticks. They may also choose