Implementing the POLL strategies in independent and small group extended activities is developmentally appropriate practice in action. Research shows that both child-initiated and adult-led experiences benefit children’s learning and development. 

Developmentally appropriate practice depends on well-planned learning opportunities, appropriate environments and materials, and providers intentionally interacting with children in diverse contexts. Guided play during extended activities — children’s active discovery plus adult scaffolding — is especially effective in promoting content knowledge, skills, and deeper understanding of concepts. 

One of the most effective strategies for developing young children’s language is to engage them in conversations during their play without being too intrusive. Providers engage in frequent, extended one-on-one conversations, listen carefully, wait for a response, use open-ended questions, and gauge comments to children’s remarks. 

Each of the following learning activities provides various opportunities for extending and building on POLL strategies: 

• Books — Children have opportunities to explore and revisit age-appropriate books individually and in small groups. 

• Audio recordings — Children’s focused attention is promoted, and opportunities are provided for them to hear and talk about stories in their home language or English.

• Writing — Children’s exploration with writing builds early literacy skills. 

• Discovery— Children explore, investigate, and solve problems individually and in small groups, while providers facilitate and introduce relevant new words in home language and English.  

• Manipulatives — Playing with manipulative materials and games in small groups supports children’s mathematics understanding especially when providers use these experiences to introduce relevant mathematics words in home language and English. 

• Blocks/Building — Children play collaboratively with small groups of other children, practice key vocabulary words, learn language and social skills, and construct understanding of mathematics and physical concepts. 

• Dramatic play— Children take on pretend roles and practice the language of the play theme such as playing store or hospital while interacting with peers, developing self-regulation and social skills. 

• Sand and water — Children explore and discover the properties of materials and objects and learn and practice related vocabulary words. 

• Art/painting — Children have opportunities for cultural and creative expression, symbolic representation, and development of motor skills. 

• Computers — Children learn and create, hear stories in their home language, use translation apps, and practice newly acquired skills.