The first of NAEYC’s standards is based on the idea of “promoting child development and learning” as a constant goal and driving force throughout an educator’s career.  Teachers need to have a complete understanding of child development theory, but realize that the growth of each individual will be unique.  While development classes and textbooks serve as an excellent baseline, no theoretical idea can predict every child’s growth.  Educators must reach beyond their professional training and use all relevant information, including that gained through observation, to support the needs of their individual class.  While standards can create accountability and level the educational playing field, they can also pressure teachers into teaching to the test.  Educators need to be wary of this, and always keep the individual needs of students in mind.      

This lesson shows that I understand young children’s basic characteristics and needs because it recognizes that an ideal kindergarten lesson needs to include movement and activity.  Children who are 4-6 years old, have short attention spans and need to be actively engaged in their own learning.  This lesson allows children to use a felt board to visually and physically retell a story.  The lesson also is suited for students who are visual learners and may have different needs to allow them to learn most effectively.  

By actively using and encouraging the reading of books in a child’s native language, I showed an understanding of the multiple influences on a child’s development and learning.  A child’s home life, including the language spoken, has a tremendous impact on development and learning, and as a teacher, I have to be willing and comfortable to work with these influences and differences.

This lesson demonstrates my use of developmental knowledge because it is a prime example of DAP.  There are lots of aspects of this lesson that meet the needs of a class with a wide range of developmental differences.  While some students may shine in the class discussion, others may feel more comfortable during the individual assessment activity.  The lesson also allows for respectful support of all students from both teachers and peers.  Students are challenged in a variety of ways, and create a healthy, cooperative classroom environment during the lesson.