Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha Way

P–3 Approaches to Learning: How Young Children Learn

The NJDOE has created new resources to provide insight into how young children in preschool through third grade (P–3) learn. Including a core document and resources that contain eight principles of learning and development, implications for practice, key resources, and critical questions to begin collegial study and practice.

The goal of the work is to ensure that the learning experiences and environments we provide to our young children are aligned with how they learn best.

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Approaches to Learning: How Young Children Learn

Introduction Video to the Document

Resources

Teachers

Educators know that very young students learn differently than those in upper elementary school and beyond. Early childhood teachers are experts in instruction, curricula, standards, and assessments. When their current knowledge is combined with a deep understanding of how child development impacts learning the Approaches to Learning research and guidance informs practice further. These resources are intended to support educators in the P-3 space.

Administrators

Policy and decision-makers can benefit from understanding the Approaches to Learning developmental principles so that as they make decisions about high-quality P-3 programs. These resources are intended to support administrators in the P-3 space.

Families

When educators share the Approaches to Learning information with families, it can help build their capacity to extend and support their children’s learning beyond the classroom. These resources are intended to support families with children in preschool to third grade on this topic.