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 moments”, 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