Posted Bybarbara on October 02, 1999 at 22:10:50:
In Reply to: Re: inappropriate practices posted bybarbara on October 02, 1999 at 22:02:45:
: : : See my post below on DAP/pros and cons. There are many who find DAP to be inneffective for many children, just as many who find phonics to be ineffective for many children. There have been schools that have practiced DAP in the early childhood grades, only to find that if the child is not reading by 2nd grade, there are life long reading problems for the child. Some do succeed, most don't. This is why I am trying to find any info out on the net on the pros/cons of DAP. The preschool program I work for preaches DAP, but I find it to be ineffective for some children (they need to just be told to SIT and LISTEN and practice their 'work', and I am talking 5yr olds going to kindergarten who only want to play and not learn what is needed for school)
I am really surprised that there would be preschool children who "need" to sit and listen. DAP means that the curriculum is appropriate for the age level of the child: hands on math, creative art activities, discovery science. I also cannot imagine preschoolers "practicing" their work. What kind of work? Preschool should be a time of learning social skills and some academics such as letter recognition and simple math skills.
I have been teaching 24 years, 13 in kindergarten and using DAP in my kindergarten class. My students are reading and writing their own sentences by the end of the year. We learn writing by writing- no workbooks, worksheets. Math is a total hands on approach and reading skills are taught through modeled writing, guided reading and reading centers. I hope you find the info you are looking for to help you make it work for you. If I can help,let me know.