standard 4 (naeyc)

Using developmentally effective approaches to connect with children and families

Students prepared in early childhood degree programs understand that teaching and learning with young children is a complex enterprise, and its details vary depending on children’s ages, characteristics, and the settings within which teaching and learning occur. They understand and use positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation for their work with young children and families. Students know, understand, and use a wide array of developmentally appropriate approaches, instructional strategies, and tools to connect with children and families and positively influence each child’s development and learning.

This is an assignment I did for my Science for the Young Child class. Different pictures are connected to different Maine Science Standards. Though this activity was not done with children, it could easily be adapted to be able to do with children and get children involved with hands-on scientific learning.

This unit aligns with NAEYC Standard 4 by engaging children in developmentally appropriate, interactive lessons that include food tastings, cultural crafts, storytelling, and a culminating culture fair. These hands-on and reflective activities foster curiosity, build empathy, and help children make personal connections to global cultures. The unit encourages inclusive, respectful exploration while using strategies that support diverse learning styles and backgrounds.

I created this bilingual counting book for my Numeracy for the Young Child class. This fits under this standard because by using visuals, repetition, and dual-language text, it will engage diverse learners in a culturally relevant context. This developmentally appropriate approach encourages number recognition and language development while honoring students' cultural identities. It creates an inclusive learning environment that supports both cognitive and emotional growth.