Brandi Showers

Dr. Harris
ED 202
18 April 2013
DAP Paper

Observing at the Child Development Center, I did see many principles in the DAP
guidelines. I had a great time watching these kids interact with other kids and other adults. First
guideline was creating a caring community of learners. The children were talking to each other
and the teacher about their interests. I find this to be important because it lets kids feel safe
while in school. The kids were learning upper and lowercase u. This ties into the second
principle of to teach to enhance development and learning. Sine these kids were under the age of
five it is important to have appropriate curriculum and lessons. The lesson was learning another
letter in the alphabet, which looked like they have been working very hard on. The teacher asked
the kids to point out the objects on the pages of the story with alliterations of the letter u. The
kids were assessed by asking them what was on the page and if it started with the letter u.
Students were also given an opportunity to talk about their families. Another important aspect I
will carry with me in teaching.
The kids were encouraged to move around which helps with their physical development
and keeps them from getting bored with just sitting on the ground. They did a song with up and
down movements with their bodies. The lesson was closely motored to assure time length and
the lesson was put in correct sequence. The teacher and students reviewed which words started
with their letter u. Two groups were created to practice their writing and complete the project.

Once in the group the teacher reviewed the directions to ensure the kids understood what was
expected of them. I think recall is another important thing to use because it lets us, as teachers
know that the kids know what to do in a project.
I saw many social diverse children while observing. Some kids were very outspoken and
some were shy and just sat in the circle and listened to the lesson and directions. In my class I
want to try and include everyone even if they are shy. The lesson was general for easy leaning.
This let every child understand what the lesson was about. Children are active in everything! In
learning, they seemed eager to learn and had fun doing it. In play, kids were excited to play.
When I first entered the CDC the children were playing. They seemed to be in stations while
playing with blocks and other block like toys.
Observing is such a great experience to see how others teach before I get my very own
classroom. I enjoy watching children play and just having a good time. Some of the DAP
guidelines I did not observe in the short time at the CDC. It was interesting to see which ones
were in the classroom though.