Instructional Formats and Approaches to Learning

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.

eCircle is for teachers and administrators serving children 3 to 6 years of age. This suite of 16 courses includes video-based demonstrations of effective instructional practices, as well as application-based assignments and activities. Participants will learn strategies for balanced instruction across a variety of settings, formats, and learning domains. eCircle is available at no cost.

In this video, we see teachers use routine and transition times as opportunities to learn. They count, model and encourage language, and practice early literacy skills.

This sample infant classroom daily schedule shows set time frames of specific activities to be done throughout the day. The schedule is balanced with a mixture of opportunities for both teacher-initiated activities and times where infants can initiate what they would like to do within those set times.

The Children’s Learning Institute partnered with the Texas Workforce Commission to provide free, online training that guides caregivers in understanding early childhood development and in making the most of each day during the early years of growth. Educators can use the information in these courses to implement and adapt strategies to support learning and development across a variety of settings and formats.

The teachers in this video make the most of transition times by singing songs, counting, playing games, and preparing snacks.

This sample preschool classroom daily schedule shows set time frames of specific activities to be done throughout the day. The schedule is balanced with a mixture of opportunities for both teacher-initiated activities and times where preschool children can initiate what they would like to do or talk about within those set times.

In this Texas Rising Star exemplar there are multiple video segments which show teachers of many age groups teaching a new concept. The teachers show how they are able to carry the same concept over into many different learning environments throughout the day.

This video from the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center shows how schedules and routines help to promote children’s learning. A daily schedule that allows children to make choices, learn in varied group sizes and environments, and receive individualized support results in higher engagement. This video is a part of a larger professional development suite.

This sample school age daily schedule shows set time frames of specific activities to be done when participating in a before school and after school program. The schedule is balanced with a mixture of opportunities for both teacher-initiated activities and times where school age children can initiate what they would like to do or talk about within those set times.

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.

This lesson explores ways caregivers can create appropriate schedules and routines to help infants and toddlers feel safe, relaxed, and ready to explore and learn. Caregivers can extend learning across activity settings and formats, even with the littlest learners.

Designing your schedule and space to support effective routines helps promote preschool-aged children’s development and learning. This lesson will focus on providing a flexible schedule that extends learning throughout the day in both formal and informal settings.

This lesson will focus on constructing a flexible schedule that balances instructional activities and uses intentional approaches to learning. Teachers can promote independence by giving school-age children choice in their schedule as their needs and interests change.

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.

This sample toddler classroom daily schedule shows set time frames of specific activities to be done throughout the day. The schedule is balanced with a mixture of opportunities for both teacher-initiated activities and times where toddlers can initiate what they would like to do or talk about within those set times.