These kinds of conversations and interactions are laced with language-supporting activities, including activities that promote vocabulary and world knowledge accumulation.
Often, teachers struggle to come up with activities that are inclusive and representative of each child and their family, helping to build self-confidence and also an understanding of others’ social and cultural identities.
Like many teachers, I have developed ways to keep my preschoolers engaged and learning while schools are closed due to COVID-19. Also, what I offer is shaped by the feedback I receive from families about how they might (or might not) be able to participat
No one in the world has ever done what we are all doing right now. No one ever thought we would have to try being teachers to 4-year-olds without being in the same room together.
NAEYC appreciates the work of the Developmentally Appropriate Practice/Diversity and Equity Workgroup and the Early Learning Systems Committee, who participated in the development of this statement. See a full list here.
NAEYC has regularly updated and reaffirmed its position statement on developmentally appropriate practice, and the term continues to be widely used within and beyond the early childhood field.
This is the first article in a series about asking questions that foster rich conversations. Visiting a variety of preschool settings, we’ll consider the different types of questions teachers ask and listen to children’s responses.
I decided to begin my emergent curriculum paired with our elementary school’s initial response to the shelter in place mandate: What is a community helper? Who is a community helper? How can you be a community helper?