9.2: Address All Developmental Domains
Course Competency 9. Integrate STEM learning experiences into an interdisciplinary unit
CRITERIA: 9.2. unit plan addresses all developmental domains
Domains of Learning
“Development” and “learning” are two integrated concepts that we promote as teachers. As children are “learning” new concepts and skills, they are fostering their “development”. Our goal is to encourage the development of the “whole child” (physical, cognitive, social, emotional, spiritual) by providing learning experiences based on children’s interests and abilities, a concept known as “ intentional teaching ”.
Although children learn in an integrated manner (blending all areas of development together) these areas are often broken down for planning purposes.
Figure 9.3: All areas of development affect and are affected by each other [69]
Table \(\PageIndex{1}\) below shows the relationship between the domains of development and concepts of learning.
Table 9.1: Relationship between Development and Learning [70]
|
Development |
Learning |
|
Cognitive |
Science, Technology, Math |
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Language |
Language and Literacy |
|
Physical |
Health, Safety, Nutrition, Self-Help Skills, Physical Education |
|
Social, Emotional, Spiritual |
Social Science, Visual and Performing Arts |
|
Vignette Javier and Ji are playing in the block area. They have stacked several large blocks on top of each other. Twice the blocks have fallen and each time they have modified their plan slightly to make them stay. Once stable, Ji counts the blocks and Javier turns to the teacher and proudly says, “Look at our 5-story building, you should shop here.” |
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Pause to Reflect Can you find development and learning for Javier and Ji in each of the categories listed in the table above? |
Including All Domains in Unit Plans
You will want to be sure that the activities you have planned for your interdisciplinary unit will foster development in all developmental domains.
See the images below for examples of how the children might be developing in all domains through the activities in the unit.