6 Practice Checklist

Physical Environment

• Both academic (math, writing, etc.) and nonacademic (dramatic play, blocks, etc.) learning centers are included in my classroom.
• Sufficient learning center options exist so that all children have choices of where to play.
• I select the materials in learning centers with standards (learning goals) in mind.
• I rotate the materials in learning centers regularly.
• My learning centers contain plenty of open-ended materials that can be used in multiple ways.
• Materials in my learning centers reflect the social and cultural backgrounds of the children in my classroom and throughout the larger community.

Social Environment

• I engage in relationship-building activities with children.
• I promote positive relationships between children.
• I use peer conflicts as opportunities to teach problem solving skills.
• I build positive relationships with families.
• Overall, my classroom is warm and nurturing.
• During learning centers, I play with the children supporting, but not directing, their play.
• When planning activities, I consider whether the children will perceive them as fun.
• I take advantage of spontaneous opportunities to have fun with the children.
• Overall, my classroom is joyful.

Curriculum

• I intentionally plan all the activities we do with standards (learning goals) in mind.
• I select the standards I address using the children’s age.
• As I plan activities, I consider the unique background knowledge that each of my children brings to the learning environment and consciously build connections to that background knowledge.
• The activities that I plan reflect the social and cultural backgrounds and learning styles of the children in my classroom.
• Most of the activities that I plan are open-ended.
• Most of the activities that I plan are hands-on.
• Throughout the day, I provide opportunities for the children to make choices.
• I use an emergent curriculum where the topics we study emerge from the children’s interests.
• I take advantage of families and community resources to enrich my program and bring different perspectives, knowledge, and traditions to my classroom.
• I take advantage of teachable moments when they occur. I do not hesitate to change my plans and follow the children’s lead when this will promote engagement and learning.
• I emphasize play by scheduling at least 45 minutes twice a day for learning centers and at least 45 minutes twice a day for outdoor play (in a full-day program).
• I individualize instruction based on each child’s skill level and learning style.
• Most of my group lessons are small group lessons so that I can better individualize instruction.
• My lessons are brief enough to match the attention spans of the children in my classroom.
• I emphasize meaningful activities related to children’s everyday experiences.
• I plan for learning in all areas of development.
• I use an integrated curriculum. Each lesson focuses on multiple areas of development.