This reminds me of the Montessori teaching method where the teacher, guides, observes and intervenes, and scaffolds when necessary.

I used to think that negotiation with young ones only spoils them, but once I had my own children, I found out the more we negotiate, the more skills they learn. When we talk about rules and expectations for example, I explain why rules are important in our lives. Then they start to undestant that rules are made to make us feel safe and secure. When negotiating, the children learn that it is not forced them.

What are some of the developmentally appropriate practices the author is talking about?

I had Fenton for a class once and during a lecture he asked a question of the class. A student raised his hand and answered. Professor Fenton listened and asked the class "Does anyone else agree that his answer is correct?"

About 85% of the students in the large lecture hall raised their hands.

He paused, shook his head, and said "Well, then I'm afraid you're all going to fail." Then he turned around and went back to writing on the chalkboard.