Developmentally Appropriate Practice

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“Play is the highest form of research.”  ~ Albert Einstein

An approach to teaching grounded in the research on how children develop and learn and in what is known about effective early education. DAP framework is designed to promote children’s optimal learning and development.  DAP involves teachers meeting children where they are (by stage of development), both as individuals and as part of a group; and helping each child meet challenging and achievable learning goals. 

​It is important when determining what play activities to use with children that they are developmentally appropriate. It is also important that you have a way to adapt them to fit each child’s needs so that no one is excluded from playing. This could be as simple as having a ‘walking round’ within a tag game instead of always having the children run. This would be a great adaptation for children who cannot run, do not like to run, or just want to walk.    

Types of Play

There are 6 main types of play that are crucial in a child’s overall development. A child may incorporate multiple types of play while they are playing.

1. Cooperative play
2. Independent play
3. Active play
4. Constructive play
5. Fantasy play
6. Rule-Based play

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
​2. Discussion: Play  
3. Defining Play
4. DAP
5. Cooperative Play
6. Hula Hoop Activity  
7. Independent Play
8. Supporting Play
9. Jellyfish Painting Activity 
10. Active Play

11. Giraffe Legs Activity 
12. Constructive Play
13. Look Out Below 
14. Fantasy Play 
15. Worm Retelling 
16. Rule-Based Play
17. Pirate Hook Ring Toss 
18. Ages and Stages
19. Discussion: Ages &  Stages 
20. Unstructured Play

21. Structured Play Vs Unstructured 
22. Play Through the Ages
23. 5-6 Years: Early School Age Children
24. 5-6 Year Old’s 
25. 7-8 Years: Early School Age Children
26. 7-8 Year Old’s 
27. 9-12 Years: Early School Age Children
28. Discussion: Play
29. End of Course Quiz 
30. Course Evaluation Form
​Parking Lot