Just Right: The Developmentally Appropriate Classroom Teachers
in developmentally appropriate classrooms trust in children’s
natural abilities and recognize their individual developmental
needs. They plan environments that balance active, child-
initiated learning with teacher-directed instruction. They allow
for physical movement, freedom of expression, active
communication and interaction, and individual and group problem
solving. Such structure fosters the child’s innate drive for
purpose, competence, autonomy, and responsibility. Initiative is
nurtured when children are encouraged to take appropriate risks.
The resulting choice and decision-making produce interest and
motivation and lead to learning that is meaningful, relevant,
and lifelong. Optimal learning is dependent on children’s
manipulation of and experimentation with materials, and
interaction with both adults and peers. The developmental
classroom is activity centered, drawing directly from the
child’s interests and abilities. Integrated theme le