1. Applying Developmental
Practices in the Early
Elementary Classroom
A Visit to Hancock Elementary School
First Grade
Karen S. Lowenthal M.Ed

2. 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

3. Creating a caring community of
Learners.
 Teachers establish a caring/inclusive community in which
all children can develop and learn.

4.  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.

5. 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.

6. We start the year by setting up our
rules.

8. We are good listeners.

9. Responsive Classroom
Greenfield Center School

10. 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.

11. Classroom Environment

12. Time to relax and enjoy being at
school.

13. 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.

14. Teachers create an intellectually
engaging and responsive
environment to promote each child’s
learning and development.

15. Decisions about curriculum
should take into consideration
the age and experience of the
learners.

16. Assessment
Assessment is
ongoing, strategic and
purposeful. The results are
used to inform instruction
for the benefit of the
children.

17. The End! Enjoy a few more photos!