Developmentally Appropriate Kindergarten Classrooms

The term “developmentally appropriate practice” gets thrown around quite a bit in early childhood education. I’d like to define what it is and how crucial it is to honoring childhood development. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) defines developmentally appropriate practice as “methods that promote each child’s optimal development and learning through a strengths-based, play-based approach to joyful, engaged learning.” Educators use developmentally appropriate practice by recognizing each child’s unique strengths not only as individuals, but as members of the classroom community. Creating supportive learning environments that nurture each child’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical well-being and helping them reach their full potential across all developmental areas is key.  In practical terms, implementing developmentally appropriate practices involves specific actions and strategies in the classroom.