Module 1

Developmentally Appropriate Practices

Prekindergarten (ages 3-4)

Can do:

  • Understand and follow simple directions

  • Uses 3 to 4 words in a sentence

  • Speak clearly enough to be understood by family members.

  • Ask and answer simple questions

Cannot do:

  • Use complex sentences

  • Fully understand time concepts like tomorrow or yesterday.


Kindergarten (Ages 5-6)

Can Do: 

  • Speak in more complex sentences

  • Understand and tell simple stories

  • Use basic grammar correctly (verb tense)

  • Start to recognize basic written word patterns

Cannot do:

  • Understand abstract language concepts

  • Read or write complex sentences

First Grade (6-7)

Can Do: 

  • Read and understand age appropriate books 

  • Write simple sentences with some grammatical errors

  • Use language to express ideas and needs

  • Follow multi-step directions

Cannot Do:

  • Fully grasp metaphors (literary devices)

  • Write detailed and structurally complex paragraphs


Second Grade (7-8)

Can Do: 

  • Read more confidently, starting to read aloud

  • Write short paragraphs with basic grammar

  • Understand a wider range of vocabulary words

  • Follow more complex oral instructions

Cannot Do:

  • Understand nuanced or figurative language

  • Write complex compositions


Third Grade (8-9)

Can Do:

  • Read longer books and paragraphs (read for a longer period of time)

  • Use conjunctions to form compound sentences

  • Write paragraphs with clear topics

  • Engage in conversations with more complex vocabulary

Cannot Do:

  • Fully understand sarcasm or nuanced language 

  • Analyze the deeper meaning of text


Fourth Grade (9-10)

Can Do:

  • Read and comprehend chapter books

  • Write multi-paragraph essays

  • Use and understand a wide range of vocabulary, including some figurative language

  • Discuss and argue using reasoned logic

Cannot Do:

  • Understand complex or abstract theoretical concepts

  • Write with the structural complexity of an adolescence



Classroom Environment 

  • Physical environment

  • Impact on learning- A well structured physical environment enhances focus, reduced distraction, and supports various learning activities.

  • Plays a vital role in cognitive development


Strategies

  • use visual aids and labels

  • Keep classroom organized as well as safe 


  • Emotional Environment

  • Promote confidence and safety 

  • Establish routine 

  • Create a nourishing and positive atmosphere


  • Intellectual environment

  • Challenges children and fosters curiosity

  • Encourages critical thinking and problem solving skills

  • Provides diverse and challenging materials

  • Encourage inquiry-based learning and curiosity through open-ended questions and opportunities for exploration


  • Social Environment

  • Inclusive

  • Enhances communication skills, cooperation skills, and empathy

  • Helps children to learn to work together in groups

  •  Understand diverse perspectives

  • Facilitates group activities and collaborative projects

  • Teach and model conflict resolution skills and social skils


Use tactile learning materials as well as auditory learning. Think about 5 senses. 


English Language Learners (Classroom Environment)

  • Utilize resources that support language development 

  • Incorporate visual aids

  • Encourage conversation and vocabulary building


Diversity in the Classroom

  • racial diversity, ethnic diversity, gender diversity, socioeconomic diversity, religious diversity, ability diversity, sexual orientation diversity, linguistic diversity, age diversity, geographic diversity, and learning style diversity.

  • Understanding students’ backgrounds


Diversity among children  (adapt)

  • Use differentiated instruction

  • cater to the standards

  • Activities have tiered activities 

  • Graphic organizers Etc