A comparative study of developmentally appropriate literacy programs in two child development centers

• Main Authors: Camara, Charmaine C., Habitan, Joadel S., Picson, Karen Estelle J.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2006
• Subjects: Early childhood education; Education, Preschool; Literacy programs
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/6756
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study discusses developmentally appropriate practices in literacy that can be applied in child development centers here in the Philippines. The study outlines important considerations when implementing a developmentally appropriate literacy curriculum based on the analysis of two schools' literacy curriculum as well as surveys conducted in the same schools. Schools and their teachers should remember the need for an integrated curriculum with a learning environment almost similar to the home setting promotes feeling of belongingness, psychological safety and enjoyment of learning, all of which contributes to proper facilitation of learning. It is also important to have activities that would provide meaningful and authentic experiences for children ages 4 and 5 that would support their present skills. It should always be remembered that children are active learners, therefore the need for activities that encourage young children to make connections, create knowledge and enhance their skills. Another consideration is producing teacher-made materials that would suit the individual learner. Worksheets, book works and similar paper-and-pencil activities may not be highly recommended but can be made to supplement other literacy-related activities. It should also be made to adjust to the child's progress in literacy. Opportunities and learning experiences that promote speaking and listening, aside from reading and writing skill, should be made more available to young children. Exposing young children to different literacy activities are also relevant in encouraging literacy development. These practices are assumed to provide a developmentally appropriate learning environment for children ages 4 and 5.