Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Improving Teaching and Learning

The final Key Message includes many important ideas. The first and fifth really tie to what this blog has been addressing from the beginning. "A teacher's moment-by-moment actions and interactions with children are the most powerful determinant of learning..." "Effective teachers are intentional in their use of variety of approaches and strategies to support children..."

Children learn and develop moment by moment. Adults who interact with children must realize and take very seriously the profound impact that they have individually on this process. It is our responsibilty to be knowledgeable and thoughtful in all we do.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Cognitive Development Improved With Focus on Physical and Social-Emotional Development

The third key message of the updated Developmentally Appropriate Position Statement reinforces the importance of integrating all domains of development cognitive, physical, social and emotional. "All the domains of children's development and learning interrelate." Focusing only on cognitive/academic aspects of learning is much less effective than planning cognitive learning in unison with physical, social and emotional activities.

This message also emphasises the importance of building on what children already know when introducing new information.