What You Will See in a Developmentally Appropriate Classroom….
- Respectful, frequent, and responsive interactions
- Children are offered choices, given opportunities to make decisions, and actively participating
- A print-rich environment with many opportunities for children to interact and explore the written word (including a writing area)
- Open-ended art materials available as a choice throughout the day; Art displayed at the children’s eye-level (dictation present)
- A stimulating, interactive science area, with real objects
- Painting at the art easel available daily, as an on-going choice
- Media/Sensory Tables open daily
- Multi-cultural materials incorporated throughout the environment
- Pictures of “real†objects and people (vs. cartoons)
- Children employing problem-solving skills
- Learning areas that are well-defined and inviting
- Self-help skills and independence encouraged
- Adults capitalizing on “teachable momentsâ€, and what the children express an interest in learning about
- Age-appropriate expectations Ex. Mistakes and accidents OK
- Children’s individual needs and skill levels taken into account
- Many opportunities for children to experience success
- Smooth transitions with minimal waiting and lining up
- Children’s feelings acknowledged and validated
- Role of the family acknowledged, with participation encouraged and valued
- Activities facilitated in small groups instead of large groups with forced participation
- Physical needs of children incorporated, with opportunities for large motor experiences available daily
- The goal of guidance and discipline with the children being to develop self-control and to make better choices
- The presence of music and laughter