P-IFAL-01: Intentional Instructional Activities

This measure looks at whether intentional instructional activities are balanced between teacher-directed and child-directed. Teacher-directed activities are activities where the teacher leads and directs the play. Child-directed activities are activities where children lead and direct the play. Activities, play, and conversations should be initiated in balanced ways by both teachers and children. This can look like the teacher:

  • reading a book to the class (teacher-directed)
  • doing a transition activity to send the children to centers (teacher-directed)
  • having children play in centers and checking in on them to expand on their play (child-directed)

Teachers should be attentive to children’s suggestions and input about what they like to do, while also taking responsibility for introducing engaging and challenging activities and experiences that support all children’s learning.

Category: Category 2: Teacher-Child Interactions Subcategory: Instructional Formats and Approaches to Learning

Examples

In this section you will find videos, images, and/or documents that can be used to better understand this measure. These examples can also be used in conversations between mentors, directors, and/or teachers to discuss how the program's current practices compare to these examples.

Balanced Instructional Activities
Video Example

This exemplar video depicts practitioners of all age groups engaging in intentional instructional activities in different settings throughout the day. The instructional activities shown depict a balance between teacher directed instruction where the teacher leads and directs the play and child-initiated activities where the child leads the direction of a conversation, activity or play opportunity.

Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School-age
Supporting Young Infants’ Learning
Supporting Young Infants’ Learning
Video Example

This recording provides information on how teachers can offer a balance of teacher-initiated instructional opportunities while still allowing time for child-directed activities throughout the day. This video is a part of a larger professional development series.

Age(s): Infant, Toddler
The Roots of Early Learning
The Roots of Early Learning
Video Example

This recording provides information on how teachers can offer a balance of teacher initiated instructional opportunities while still allowing time for child directed activities throughout the day. This video is a part of a larger professional development series.

Age(s): Infant, Toddler

Practice Opportunities

These resources include tips, strategies, activities, or specific tools related to this measure that programs can put into practice.

Different Ways to Play
Different Ways to Play
Activity

Different Ways to Play, is a lesson teachers can use to help toddlers experience play in new ways. The resource highlights ways teachers can allow a child’s wondering about the rain dictate what type of activity they choose to play outdoors.

Age(s): Toddler