Applying Developmental

Practices in the Early

Elementary Classroom

A Visit to Hancock Elementary School

First Grade

Karen S. Lowenthal M.Ed

NAEYC: Guidelines for Decisions for

a developmentally appropriate

practice in programs from birth to

age 8

Teachers must know the implications of child

development in order to make decisions about how to

teach as well as when to teach curricular concepts

Creating a caring community of

Learners.

Teachers establish a caring/inclusive community in which

all children can develop and learn.

Positive relationships with adults and other children provide an outlet for children to learn about themselves

and how to develop positive relationships with people.

Children learn to respect and acknowledge different

abilities and talents and to value each person.

Develop self-regulation

Teachers set clear, consistent and fair expectations for behavior.

Children are engaged in creating rules.

Teachers redirect to more acceptable behavior.

Teachers facilitate and model conflict resolution.

We start the year by setting up our

rules.

We are good listeners.

Responsive Classroom

Greenfield Center School

Classroom environment is designed

To support the physiological and

psychological needs of the

students….

A teacher is sensitive to the

sensory needs of the class

and provides ample

opportunities for

movement and rest

throughout the day

Program protects child’s

psychological safety by

providing an environment

that helps the child feel

secure and relaxed.

Classroom Environment

Time to relax and enjoy being at

school.

The Learning Environment

Children experience an

organized environment

and an orderly routine.

The learning environment

provides a variety of

materials and opportunities

for children to have first

hand, meaningful

experiences.

Teachers create an intellectually

engaging and responsive

environment to promote each child’s

learning and development.

Decisions about curriculum

should take into consideration

the age and experience of the

learners.

Assessment

Assessment is

ongoing, strategic and

purposeful. The results are

used to inform instruction

for the benefit of the

children.

The End! Enjoy a few more photos!