Kids Say the Darnedest Things Anecdotal note taking in the real world. Presenter: Beth Arthur Senior Screening & Assessment Specialist Early Learning Coalition of Brevard barthur@elcbrevard.org 321-637-1800 x 2019

What we will cover today: What are anecdotal notes? Strategies for note taking Why do anecdotal notes? How to use anecdotal notes to: Assess children’s development Influence teaching Build relationships

What is an Anecdotal note? “Anecdotal notes are detailed narrative accounts that describe a particular event factually. “ The Power of Observation Jablon, Dombro and Dichtelmiller What this really means: Jotting down what you see and hear children doing. 3 rules for notes: CLEAR- CONSICE- FACTUAL-

CLEAR Child’s name Where When What happened

CONCISE Avoid descriptive language Avoid emotional language Write what you actually see

FACTUAL Write only what you see or hear Who What Where When Avoid Why

Examples: OR Which note gets the thumbs up? At center time Megan laid a doll on top of a diaper and tried to pull the diaper up between the dolls legs. When this didn’t work she left the doll on the table and went to the sand table. OR Which note gets the thumbs up? Megan laid a doll on top of a diaper and tried to pull the diaper up very roughly between the dolls legs. When this didn’t work she got mad and pouted. She gave up and left the doll on the table. She abandoned the baby and went to the sand table.

OR Which note gets the thumbs up? Nicole came to large group time with an attitude. She looked at the pile of wrapped items. She gave Jeremiah a mean look and said “Uh-oh, there are more children than presents.” OR As the children gathered around for large group time around a pile of wrapped items, Nicole said “Uh-oh, there are more children than presents.” There are a couple of things wrong with this anecdote. If writing for Nicole, Jeremiah’s name should not be included.

Know what you are looking for

Curricula that utilize Anecdotal notes or Observation to Guide Instruction and Assessment Creative Curriculum High Scope Beyond Centers and Circle Time Montessori

Know what you are looking for Objectives for Development& Learning (ODL) Creative Curriculum: 7 Domains: 28 items plus Social Studies & The Arts (8 items) Child Observation Record (COR) High Scope: Infant Toddler 6 Categories: 28 items Preschool 6 Categories: 32 items

Activity Let’s try it!

Activity Matching Notes to Domains

Strategies Making Notes Work for You Working for Your Notes

Get Organized – Make a Plan

Post-its: A love hate relationship Pro: Individual serving size Stick-able Compact for teacher pockets Ready made Con: Small - Individual serving size Stick-together-able Compact for children’s pockets Cost

Use what you have Better to note on anything You’ve got than miss the chance!

Clipboards

The Lowly Clothespin

Be Creative! Make it a part of your room.

…worth a thousand words

Video captures everything… Children love to see themselves on video Parents love to see their children on video Teachers love to take notes from video

Why take notes? Make your program responsive to children Conduct assessments and write reports Work together with families

What you learn about children by reading and evaluating anecdotal notes can directly influence how , what and WHO you teach.

When Assessing Children’s Development Technology is your friend

TS GOLD COR Online Both the Creative Curriculum and High Scope have online assessment tools TS GOLD COR Online

OnlineCOR makes teachers' and administrators' jobs easier by streamlining record keeping, report writing, and tabulation. You will save time Managing anecdotes — You will be able to enter, score, and track your anecdotes online. Reporting on individual children — Using information from the COR, Family Reports and Growth Profiles are automatically created for each child. Planning activities — COR scores are aligned with appropriate activities designed to support and scaffold children at their current level of development. Activities from our publication, What's Next, are available online. Reporting on group progress — Reports include results in mandated requirements such as COR Item T: Showing Awareness of Sounds in Words (which encompasses alliteration and phonological awareness) and other critical components of child development.

Assessment for Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies GOLD Key for age ranges

Relationships with Families

What do these people have in common?

They have gone to school for their profession They participate in ongoing training to keep their knowledge up to date Their judgment is trusted They are respected by parents

Know your stuff in Early Childhood education (continue education & training ) Be able to provide parents accurate information about their child and his/her development Share assessment information and anecdotal notes at parent conferences. Gain the respect you desire by being a PROFESSIONAL Teacher

Contact me: barthur@elcbrevard.org