August 2020 Newsletter – Remembering the Principles of Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Reflecting on Variety and Influences

Restrictions and policies tend to shrink learning experiences. Teachers will need to plan curriculum and interactions with children and families with the intention of expanding learning opportunities, rather than restricting them.

Here are some things to think about to ensure that children are receiving high-quality early learning experiences despite the restrictions put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Children learn in a variety of ways.
  1. Are there ways that we can use familiar materials in new and different ways to promote learning and exploration? Are there new materials, such as loose parts or recycled materials that will enhance our learning environment, both indoors and out?
  2. Are there opportunities to meet children’s needs in different ways? Are there classroom rules about combining materials that can be set aside to promote new exploration?
  3. What do we know about how the children in my care learn best? How can I gather more information about how they learn?
  4. Is this a time to explore new curriculum topics? Are there new concepts that we can teach children in light of the pandemic?
  5. Perhaps this is a good time to have meaningful conversations about our responsibilities to one another, working together as part of a community of learners. What is the best way to start those conversations with the children?
• Development and learning occur in and are influenced by multiple social and cultural contexts.
  1. Vygotsky believed that social interactions were the basis for learning and cognition. How can we maintain a social environment and still keep children safe and free from fear?
  2. What impact has COVID-19 had on the economy of my community and are there children and families who need additional support during this time?
  3. Children are highly influenced by the culture in which they are raised. How does culture play a role in the lives of the children in our care? How can I respond to individual children and families in culturally responsive ways?

For the main article Remembering the Principles of Developmentally Appropriate Practice, CLICK HERE

For the article Reflecting on Development and Relationships, CLICK HERE

For the article Reflecting on Play and Motivation, CLICK HERE

For the article Director’s Corner: Creating Community, CLICK HERE