My DAP Website

[kendallina]

I'm in the process of developing a website for developmentally appropriate activities. It is nowhere near done, but before I get too far on it, I'd really like some feedback.

Particularly, I'm looking for feedback on:

The layout
Ease of use
The types of activities provided
Whether this is something you would use (please, be honest, don't want to spend my time on something people won't use...)

Obviously, I still have LOTS and LOTS of activities to post, but I think I have enough to start receiving feedback from you awesome ladies!! Thanks!

https://www.dapreschool.weebly.com

[DCMomOf3]

So far I think it's great. I have really no idea what High Scope is, I would like a brief word on that preceding your link.

I like the layout so far, i like the exploding menus. It is easy enough to navigate. I would bookmark it and refer to it again.

I look forward to seeing it when you have more in there.

[Blackcat31]

I think so far it looks great! The only thing I automatically looked for (due to use of boxed curriculums ) is the words for the song's that were suggested in the Welcome area. Including the lyrics can eliminate the hours of searching to find what song or fingerplay you are referring to.

I will bookmark it and refer back to se what things you have added...

[kendallina]

So far I think it's great. I have really no idea what High Scope is, I would like a brief word on that preceding your link.

I like the layout so far, i like the exploding menus. It is easy enough to navigate. I would bookmark it and refer to it again.

I look forward to seeing it when you have more in there.

Thanks for your feedback, I will be adding more info on high scope.

[kendallina]

I think so far it looks great! The only thing I automatically looked for (due to use of boxed curriculums ) is the words for the song's that were suggested in the Welcome area. Including the lyrics can eliminate the hours of searching to find what song or fingerplay you are referring to.

I will bookmark it and refer back to se what things you have added...

Thanks- I'll put up the lyrics and also maybe make a separate page with youtube videos so people can get the tune as well. Thanks!!

[joy]

dap website

I think you are on track, but I do not agree with using one curriculum, and what about all of the different types of music, foreign language, the centers are so limited, the books are not listed with recommended ages, there are so many wonderful authors. I would try to expand your thinking. Art, for example, what is the goal? You are limiting something that is huge. You do not have standards, goals, objectives, and perhaps you should research other types of curriculum that tie into yours.

Good luck, and I hope you see beyond the typical teacher directed types of centers that do not include the interests and diversity of the children.

[kendallina]

I think you are on track, but I do not agree with using one curriculum, and what about all of the different types of music, foreign language, the centers are so limited, the books are not listed with recommended ages, there are so many wonderful authors. I would try to expand your thinking. Art, for example, what is the goal? You are limiting something that is huge. You do not have standards, goals, objectives, and perhaps you should research other types of curriculum that tie into yours.

Good luck, and I hope you see beyond the typical teacher directed types of centers that do not include the interests and diversity of the children.

Thank you for your feedback.

I do not use one curriculum. The philosophy that most fits my teaching style is High scope. It is not a curriculum, per say, but a way of thinking about children and how children learn. Perhaps, as another poster suggested, I did not explain it enough.

I've worked in several different settings and most of them included several types of learning centers (literacy, math, science, listening area, etc). What I found is that these areas of development need to be incorporated throughout your entire classroom. For example, in my reading area right now I have magnet letters with a magnet board and some word cards (hard to describe). I also have a colors game that we've played as a group several times and they are able to play that themselves now during freetime. Also, I do state on the Learning Centers page that the 4 examples that I gave are at a minimum of what should be included. Perhaps I should include some info on why I choose to not include more types of learning centers.

The entire site is mostly focused for preschool aged children (ages 2.5-5), which is why I did not list recommended ages for the books.

I don't think I understand what you mean when you say I am limiting art... As I said in my intro, the site is not done and is not AT ALL meant to be a complete curriculum or anything like that at this point. I actually do almost ALL free-form art that is very process-based and not at all product-based. I have not included much info on art at this point, so I can see where you wouldn't get that from what I have on the site already.

I am very very familiar with other types of curriculum. Besides having a Masters degree in child development, I have worked for 10 years in many different learning environments for young children. I have utilized many different types of curriculum and the High scope philosophy is what fits best for me and gives me a good framework with which to build activities for children. The site is not meant to be a conglomeration of several types of curriculum.

When you talk about the activities being teacher-directed and not in line with children's interests, I'm a little confused. Not sure if you checked out the resources pages (specifically DAP), but I talk at length about developmentally appropriate practice and specifically mention the importance of balance between child-directed and teacher-directed.

I do like your idea of including standards, goals, objectives, etc. I think that's something that would come later if this were to come together as a full curriculum.

I do very much appreciate your feedback and it has given me a lot to think about. I also encourage you and anyone checking out my website to keep in mind that it is not in a finished state, so is not as all-inclusive as it will be when I start promoting it. Thanks!!

[kendallina]

I'm wondering what else people would like to see (obviously, except for more activities, as that will be my main goal to get up as soon as possible).

Thinking more about Blackcat's feedback, perhaps I will include a page on lyrics to the songs that I use... I've had the great fortune of working with some fantastic teachers in the past who have taught me soo many wonderful songs that I'd never heard before.

What else?

[melskids]

i like it so far.

not everyone understands DAP, high scope, or child emergent curriculum. i would try to explain these a little more in detail.

i dont quite understand joy's post either. i was a little confused by it ?

i'm looking foward to seeing your website when you are finished

[joy]

I was simply trying to indicate that dap should incorporate the different styles of learning, how they are addressed, labeling the centers with information that coincides with each standard, or perhaps a few standards, which would make parents understand the reason for the center. In my experience, everything you place in the classroom should be there for a reason, and parents should be informed. What about documention? Pictures, videos, etc. I am simply asking you to expland on what you have before adding more. Hope you took my suggestions as helpful- not any other way.

[momofsix]

I think it is very well laid out, well planned and organized. It's something I'm sure to keep on my favorites bar so that I can keep checking back and see how it's coming! Good work!!!