Introduction As your elementary school principal, I am dedicated to ensuring that our students are taught in a developmentally appropriate learning community that ensures success of all learners. As early childhood educators, it is crucial that you all know and understand efficient methods for aligning developmentally appropriate practices (DAP) with Common Core State Standards. This brief article describes DAP for teaching reading to kindergarten-age students, explores California’s Common Core State Standards, compares the effects of DAP and non-DAP practices, and describes a plan to introduce and implement the use of a new state-mandated textbook-based reading curriculum.
Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Teaching Reading to Kindergarten Learners Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) refers to teaching strategies that address age appropriateness, individual
…show more content…
Early childhood educators must differentiate instruction, build knowledge together, create multiple opportunities for learning, teach to all developmental domains, integrate content areas, and monitor children’s achievement (Brown, Feger, & Mowry, n. d.). Tools, techniques, and strategies must meet the readiness levels, interest, needs, and cultural identities of individual learners. When young children learn through developmentally appropriate practices they are enabled to connect previous experiences to new knowledge and make meaningful connections. DAP also helps learners meet challenging goals, build confidence and self-esteem, and encourages them to take on a positive approach to learning. The side-effects of non-DAP can result in behavior issues, failed classroom management, miseducation, failure of students reaching their academic potential, and grade