What is developmentally appropriate instruction?
Developmentally appropriate teaching practices encompass a wide range of skills and strategies that are adapted to the age, development, individual characteristics, and the family and social and cultural contexts of each child served.
What is the purpose of DAP?
Developmentally appropriate practice (or DAP) is a way of teaching that meets young children where they are — which means that teachers must get to know them well — and enables them to reach goals that are both challenging and achievable.
What is essential to a DAP classroom?
Knowing what is culturally important There are many basic principles of development that inform DAP, which include: the domains of development, observations/documentation, seeing each child as unique, and knowing the impact of early experiences, relationships and play has on the early years.
What are three benefits of DAP?
Benefits of DAP
- use strategies and activities that are proven to help young children learn;
- use hands-on learning activities to help young children develop practical knowledge and skills; and.
- recognize the important role that play has in early childhood learning and development.
What is the goal of DAP?
The overall goal for using Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) is to support excellence in early childhood education through decision-making based on knowledge about individual children and child development principles combined with knowledge of effective early learning practices.
What are two ways a teacher can provide guidance in a developmentally appropriate way?
10 Effective DAP Teaching Strategies
- Acknowledge what children do or say.
- Encourage persistence and effort rather than just praising and evaluating what the child has done.
- Give specific feedback rather than general comments.
How can I classroom be developmentally appropriate?
Developmentally appropriate classrooms are welcoming spaces that allow children the opportunity to express their individuality. Teachers act as guides, encouraging children to develop and explore their interests. The cultures and backgrounds of the children are always respected and incorporated into the classroom.