Instructional Formats and Approaches to Learning

Instructional Formats and Approaches to 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 is essential. Daily activities should cover various learning areas with planned and unplanned opportunities for children to practice new concepts throughout the day. 

Professional Learning Resources

This section includes professional learning resources that can help practitioners deepen their understanding of quality for this topic.

Classroom Transitions
Webinar

Classroom Transitions, created by Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center, is a brief presentation on classroom transitions. Practitioners will learn about some effective strategies or methods for helping children make smooth transitions from one classroom activity to the next to avoid disruption and long waits between activities.

Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School-age
eCIRCLE Professional Development
Online Course

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.

Age(s): Preschool
Infant, Toddler, & Three-Year-Old Early Learning Guidelines and Training
Online Course

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.

Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool
Schedules and Routines
Video Example

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.

Age(s): Infant, Toddler, Preschool, School-age
The Environment: Schedules and Routines for Infants and Toddlers
Online Course

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.

Age(s): Infant, Toddler
The Environment: Schedules and Routines for Preschoolers
Online Course

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.

Age(s): Preschool
The Environment: Schedules and Routines for School-Age Students
Online Course

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.

Age(s): School-age