Which practice is considered developmentally appropriate for preschool children?

The practice of building upon what the child already knows is considered developmentally appropriate for preschool children because it recognizes the importance of a child's prior experiences and knowledge as a foundation for learning. This approach aligns with the principles of developmentally appropriate practice, which emphasizes the need for educational activities to be relevant and meaningful to the child's individual developmental level and interests.

Children learn best when they can connect new information and skills to what they already understand. By starting from a child's existing knowledge, educators can create engaging and effective learning experiences that promote cognitive and social development. This practice fosters a sense of competence and encourages children to explore further, enhancing their motivation and curiosity in the learning process.

In contrast, using a prepackaged curriculum may not tailor the educational content to the specific needs and interests of the individual children, and having classroom rules posted, while important for classroom management, does not actively engage with the children's developmental learning processes. Utilizing pre-test scores to drive instruction may not account for the dynamic nature of early childhood learning, which often requires a more flexible and child-centered approach.