What does 'developmentally appropriate practice' mean in relation to MERIT?

The term 'developmentally appropriate practice' focuses on teaching strategies and methods that are tailored to the developmental stages of young learners, ensuring that instruction is suitable and relevant to their unique needs at different ages. This approach recognizes that children develop cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically at varying rates, and it emphasizes the importance of creating a learning environment that fosters growth and learning in a way that aligns with their developmental milestones. By utilizing strategies that align with these stages, educators can effectively support the holistic development of each learner, leading to more meaningful engagement and learning outcomes.

In contrast, teaching methods that apply universally to all age groups, advanced practices solely for gifted students, or approaches that ignore the emotional needs of students do not take into consideration the individual developmental needs of children, which is central to the concept of developmentally appropriate practice.