Running head: DEVELOPMENTALY APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTION 1

DEVELOPMENTALY APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTION

Jessie Caprio
Regent University

DEVELOPMENTALY APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTION

DEVELOPMENTALY APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTION

The ultimate goal of education is the development of the students. This is not
limited to book knowledge but includes social and moral development as well. Students are
taught how to act, listen, play, and the knowledge necessary to succeed in life. This, of course,
can only occur if the student is taught the correct way. If one were to try and teach a first grader
in the same manner as a fifth grader, their success would be limited. Likewise, if one taught fifth
graders the same as first graders, the lessons wouldnt contain the complexity needed by fifth
grade students. It is equally important to understand a students educational and cultural
background. For example, an ESL learner might have slightly different needs than other students
in the class. It is this reason that developmentally appropriate instruction is important to the
classroom.
Rational
Since starting my second placement, I noticed the need younger students have for
stimulation. As a general rule, they have a smaller attention span and tend to get tired easier than
the older students. Although still very important, the use of worksheets and book work is much
harder to rely on. Ive found that the students ability to interact with what they are learning
greatly increases their retention and enjoyment of the subject. Both of my artifacts show the
students actively learning through a stimulating environment.
My first artifact is based off of a math lesson I created for the students. In the lesson, the
students were learning the concepts of addition and subtraction. More specifically, they were
learning how to count on. I created a number line for the students and used a modified deck of
cards. The students drew a card from the deck and hopped to the number they drew. They then
drew a second card and hopped up the amount of the second card. The more advanced students

DEVELOPMENTALY APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTION

did the same exercise with three cards instead of two. This activity was important for the kids.
For one, it allowed them to get out of their seat and to have fun while learning. Each of the
students were engaged in the lesson and looked forward to their turn on the number line. In
addition to this, the lesson brought the knowledge and applied it to a real world experience.
Instead of just learning the concept of learning, the students were able to experience it.
My second artifact is a letter a student wrote based on the book The day the crayons quit.
In the book, a young boys crayons went on strike for a number of varied reasons. Each crayon
had a valid point as to how the boy wasnt using them enough or was using them in the wrong
manner. At the end of the book, the boy made up with the crayons by drawing a picture they
were all part of. In response to the book, the children were asked to write a note to their favorite
crayon telling it why it was their favorite. As the class is a first grade class, the activity was
aimed at developing the children in two ways. First, the children were able to practice their
writing skills in composing a letter. Second, and more importantly, the children were able to
practice expressing their feelings in a letter. This is an important activity for young students.
Reflection
When I look back on my degree and my student teaching placements I am grateful for
the opportunity I was awarded by Regent University. In my placements, particularly, I was able
to experience two seven week placements instead of one 14 week placements. My first
placement was a fifth grade class with a non-typical structure, the students split teachers half way
through the day, and my second placement was a first grade class. The contrast between the two
classes was highly beneficial to me as a teacher. I was not only able to experience two spectrums
of teaching, I was able to see the differences between students of varied ages. I feel this has

DEVELOPMENTALY APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTION

helped me to identify some of the more important aspects of teaching and showed me the
importance of early identification of students who are gifted or need an IEP.
As with our walk with Christ, the children in our classroom dont start their journey
knowing what they need or how to act. Just as we change when we grow in our faith, so do they
change as they grow in age and grade. With proper nurturing and guidance, they will grow in
confidence with limitless potential as they move through life. For I can do everything through
Christ, who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13, NLT)

DEVELOPMENTALY APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTION

References
Daywalt, D., & Jeffers, O. (2013). The day the crayons quit.