Last August 17-19, 2018, The Teacher’s Gallery convened early childhood educators to discuss Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) and share techniques in classroom to accommodate diverse learners. The workshop-seminar was held at Tagaytay International Convention Center. 

Keynote speaker, Ms. Andrea Stavrakas, MA, welcomed the audiences by explaining the basic concepts and core considerations of DAP which revolved around the discourse that no students are alike. Hence, it’s crucial to understand differences of children – further discussing the various principles of child development, and guidelines for effective teaching. Ms. Stavrakas was then followed by Ms. Amcy Esteban elaborating the framework for teaching that is grounded on research on child development and learning which seeks to promote optimal learning and development. While Session 4 & 5 ponder with the topics of Effective Teaching and Curriculum: DAP and Intentionality and Bringing the DAP: Child Assessment and Relationship with Families facilitated by Ms. Jagilen Dela Cruz, participants were shown video clips of international early childhood development practices to emphasize how the strategies work. 

 

To cap off the first day, educators participated in the Karaoke Night of the Evening Socials and got to know each other more. Most of the karaoke singers even exceeded the standing ovation through creative paraphrasing of the lyrics to show their passion in teaching. 

“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, we should teach the way they learn.” – Mai Roble

The 2nd day first speaker Ms. Michelle Sevilla highlighted the importance of assessment as a developmental screening used to assess the needs of the child and proper classroom-based assessment. In the next session, Ms. Andrea Stavrakas explains the Developmental Characteristics of Children at Different Ages and Practices that are most appropriate for children each age. Next speaker, Ms. Mai Roble presented Child and Adult Guided Experiences which are about the flexible teaching strategies through creativity, building blocks, copying and transferring learning – emphasizing on “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, we should teach the way they learn.”After a quick break, Ms. Andrea Stavrakas expounded more on the Differentiating Instructions – Why & How.

Mr. Gerry Rivas clarified the difference of instructions in Early Math, the Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Development and Well Being. To wrap up the day, Ms. Andrea Stavrakas focused on how educators can help the struggling readers in the inclusive classroom. 

The last session during day 3 emphasized about the Strategies that work: Classroom Looping – when a teacher moves with a group of students to the next grade instead of sending them to a new teacher which has the potential to provide that consistency that is critical for attachment; one of the benefits of classroom looping is students feel comfortable talking to their teachers as a trusted mentor, and will often share stories that most students would not typically share their teacher. In result, this practices developed a high level of caring and respect in their classrooms. 

To conclude the 3-day seminar-workshop, participants were asked to do a photo-op per region with the invited resource persons.