Developmentally appropriate practice, often shortened to DAP was developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This is an approach to teaching grounded both in the research on how young children develop and learn, and in what is known about effective early education. Its framework was designed to promote young children’s optimal learning and development. DAP involves teachers nurturing young children stage of development and helping each child to meet challenging and achievable learning goals. Some factors that should be considered when planning developmentally appropriate curricula are: Knowing about child development and learning-Knowing what is typical at each age and stage of early development is crucial. This knowledge, based on research, helps us decide which experiences are best for children’s learning and development, Knowing what is individually appropriate-What we learn about specific children helps us teach and care for each child as an individual. By continually observing children’s play and interaction with the physical environment and others, we learn about each child’s interests, abilities, and developmental progress, Knowing what is culturally important- We must make an effort to get to know the children’s families and learn about the values, expectations, Active Learning Experiences/ a balance between Teacher-Directed and Child-Directed Activities-Developmentally appropriate programs promote children's active exploration of the environment. Children manipulate real objects and learn through hands-on experiences. The curriculum provides opportunities for children to explore, reflect, interact, and communicate with other children and adults (National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1996), Learning centres are one means of providing active learning experiences. Field trips, real life experiences--such as cooking, re-enacting historical events,
Developmentally appropriate practice, often shortened to DAP was developed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This is an approach to teaching grounded both in the research on how young children develop and learn, and in what is known about effective early education. Its framework was designed to promote young children’s optimal learning and development. DAP involves teachers nurturing young children stage of development and helping each child to meet challenging and achievable learning goals. Some factors that should be considered when planning developmentally appropriate curricula are: Knowing about child development and learning-Knowing what is typical at each age and stage of early development is crucial. This knowledge, based on research, helps us decide which experiences are best for children’s learning and development, Knowing what is individually appropriate-What we learn about specific children helps us teach and care for each child as an individual. By continually observing children’s play and interaction with the physical environment and others, we learn about each child’s interests, abilities, and developmental progress, Knowing what is culturally important- We must make an effort to get to know the children’s families and learn about the values, expectations, Active Learning Experiences/ a balance between Teacher-Directed and Child-Directed Activities-Developmentally appropriate programs promote children's active exploration of the environment. Children manipulate real objects and learn through hands-on experiences. The curriculum provides opportunities for children to explore, reflect, interact, and communicate with other children and adults (National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1996), Learning centres are one means of providing active learning experiences. Field trips, real life experiences--such as cooking, re-enacting historical events,