In November 2017, Ofsted published Bold Beginnings, a report on its findings about teaching in the Reception year. Like very many practitioners in the early years, the author of this article believes this report to be of concern, as the recommendations it proposes would be so damaging for the early education of young children. She believes its…

Discusses the strengths and shortcomings of "A Foundation for Implementation," a document written by early childhood teachers from Manitoba, Canada, to guide literacy and language arts instruction. Notes the importance of teacher empowerment in creating the curriculum and of developmentally appropriate practices as a foundation. (JPB)

Presents a teacher's reflections on the need to know about, and talk with parents and other teachers about, the benefits of using a child development-based, whole language, thematic approach to teaching in the primary grades. (BB)

This paper serves as a reflective dialog around the special circumstances of teaching in contemporary kindergarten through grade 3 classrooms. Three public school teachers who were prepared to teach in a program emphasizing an understanding of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) describe their experiences teaching in public school…

Maintains that early childhood teacher evaluation practices urgently need reform and that effective practices should (1) draw on multiple data sources, including peers, parents, children, administrators, and teachers themselves; (2) view teacher growth as an ongoing process; (3) examine individualized goals and methods; and (4) involve teachers as…

Argues that, to be considered true professionals, early childhood educators need to have a sound understanding of the theoretical framework of child development and early childhood education; advance developmentally appropriate practices; and consider their pupils on an individual basis through a child-centered curriculum. (MDM)

Argues that eclecticism is not a viable teaching philosophy and examines reasons teachers follow the practice in the belief that students' learning needs are adequately met. Encourages teachers to examine their classroom practices, and to focus on, and listen to, individual students to determine the direction and pace of their learning experience.…

This book reports on a three-part qualitative research study examining multiage classrooms from different perspectives. Part 1 of the book describes the activities of a K-3 multiage classroom, based on 40 days of observation and participation. The four chapters in this part offer a description of a typical day in the observed classroom; a brief…

Discusses the issues of best practice, guidance of young children, teacher supervision, power, and rewards in the context of developmentally appropriate practice. Examines a true story about a conflict-laden school situation as an opportunity to explore the dynamics of perspective taking, roles and relationships, turbulent and uncertain…

Provides intermediate grade teachers with strategic guidelines and suggested activities designed to develop and improve the quality of writing experiences among students in the classroom. (BB)

Examines one teacher and her first graders' interactions around information book read-alouds. Reveals that the comprehension strategies the teacher modeled reflected the same categories as those suggested by more systematic but decontextualized research. Suggests that there may be a developmentally appropriate time to begin formal comprehension…

Discusses the philosophy behind the effects of placing at-risk kindergarten children in transitional first grade classes and suggests alternative practices. (BB)