NAEYC STANDARD 4

Using Developmentally Effective Approaches

Focus: Applying a variety of teaching strategies that are developmentally appropriate and engaging

Rationale

Children learn best through active, hands-on exploration and play. Developmentally effective practices increase engagement, deepen understanding, and foster intrinsic motivation.

Example of Standard 4

Instead of using worksheets, I like to teach counting through hands-on math centers using manipulatives like counting bears and sorting mats.

Artifact 4: Below is a student using counting bears, a hands-on math center material that allows for one-to-one correspondence while counting.