Developmentally Appropriate Practice

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The DAP framework is grounded both in the research on child development and learning and in knowledge about educational effectiveness and promotes young children’s optimal learning and development. 

Most Recent

Strike Up the Band!
Article
Teaching Young Children
January 6, 2025

Strike Up the Band

Encourage children to invent an instrument.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Cate Heroman
Members Only
Weaving Wonders!
Article
Teaching Young Children
January 6, 2025

Weaving Wonders

Invite children to weave with a variety of materials, even challenging them to create their own looms.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Cate Heroman
Members Only
Gizmos Galore!
Article
Teaching Young Children
January 6, 2025

Gizmos Galore

Challenge children to take an everyday object and make it better.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Cate Heroman
Members Only
children painting tree branches in a classroom
Article
Teaching Young Children
January 6, 2025

Using Wood as a Medium

Children at a museum-based program use wood as a tool for exploration and creativity.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Natalie Williams, Erika Cantin
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a young child with safety goggles using some tools
Article
Teaching Young Children
January 6, 2025

The Birdfeeder Project

Children at a Maine early learning center extend their learning about birds to include building birdfeeders.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Sessa Salas, Kelley Duffelmeyer, Kristy Grover
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A teacher works with a child at the light table.
Article
Teaching Young Children
January 6, 2025

Feature Teacher: Beulah Wiggins

Meet Beulah Wiggins, the STEAM coach at the Women's League Child Development Center in Connecticut.
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a portrait of michelle kang, naeyc ceo
Article
Teaching Young Children
January 6, 2025

Message from Michelle

The spirit of inquiry, knowledge development, hands-on learning, and intentional teaching shines through the articles in this issue.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Michelle Kang
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Children talking around a table
Blog
October 18, 2024

Exploring the Presidential Election in One Pre-K Classroom

In this blog, one educator describes how she explored concepts of fairness, perspective taking, difference, and voting during a previous election. What might an exploration of voting and an election look like in your own context or setting?

Authored by

Authored by: 
Norline Wild
Members Only
a picture of Jana boddy, this months member spotlight.
Article
Young Children
September 2, 2024

Member Spotlight: Jana Boddy

Jana has worked in the field for more than 20 years, working in instructional, leadership, and advocacy experiences. She has taught pre-K, directed child care centers, and managed the early learning program of Catholic Charities of Baltimore.
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