DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE PRACTICES

DIP Lesson vs. DAP LessonDEFINE (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 appropriateEach child is unique in personality, learning

styles, and family backgroundChildren 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 EmotionalSocialCognitiveMoral

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

ConcreteHands on, touch, manipulateLearn by do

RelevantInterests

RealThe 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 SCHEDULEDTime to explore as long as

the child wants.Free choice in which the child

can move freely between activities.

centersBalance 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.

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.