One of the frameworks of young learner’s education curriculum development is Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP). DAP is the concept of teaching based on the point of view of how children learn. The knowledge of how children develop and learn (DAP) was stated by some experts on The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC, 1987). It emphasizes the importance of understanding how children develop and learn.The design of this research is descriptive qualitative where subject is limited to English teacher only and the case investigated is focused on DAP implemented by English teacher. The research focused to answer questions related to the teacher’s perception on teaching English for young learners, the concept of Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP), the implementation, and kinds of activity used by teacher which reflects the implementation of Developmentally Appropriate Practice. The subject of this research consists of two English teachers who teach at low classes (1st grade – 3rd grades) at SDIT Asy Syaamil Bontangwhich apply 2013 curriculum in their classes. The result of the research shows that both of teachers had positive comment and agree that English is very important to be taught especially for young learners. However, they had different understanding on the DAP theory. The first teacher had little understanding about DAP and the second teacher did not know at all about DAP. It was also found that to certain extend, both teachers used lesson plans which reflect the theory of DAP. However the lesson plans were just for an administration. They copied from another teacher and just leaved it on their table as administration document. The 12 principles of DAP on lower grades of elementary school have been implemented in the classroom unconsciously by the teachers. Based on the findings, it is suggested that for improvement in teaching English especially for young learners, the teacher should have better understanding of how children develop and learn. Teacher should have some interesting methods, technique and approach, so it can make the students more active and interested to the lesson. The use of various activities in teaching English can increase the student’s motivation and interest. The students can understand the material comfortably and well. Then, English teachers should examine the process of learning in order to improve the effectiveness of the activity and also to meet the students’ needs.


Key words: Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Young Learners, and Teaching English for Young Learners.