OBSERVING CHILDREN: A Tool for Assessment Chapter 3 p. 41-51

TERMS TO KNOW: Define Anecdotal record Assessment Developmental norms Checklist Participation chart Rating scale Portfolio

Video: 11 min True or False Hunt Observing Children Correct false statements to make true

ASSESSMENT The process of observing, recording, and documenting children’s growth and behavior. Information is obtained on children’s developmental status, growth, and learning styles Assessment vs. Evaluation

AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT… Focus on physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development Involve children working with everyday objects and materials Include a variety of data collected across time Help teachers identify each child’s developmental needs and learning styles Evaluate each child’s progress and performance over time Be collected by persons familiar with the child Be used to determine progress of the class as a whole Identify those children who have special needs

… Include a variety of methods Identify the children’s strengths, needs, and other interests Involve parents, families, teachers, children, and other professionals Give parents and families understandable information that describes their child’s progress Identify and help solve and classroom problems Be used to evaluate teaching effectiveness Be used in planning developmentally appropriate curriculum Be used in evaluating the program’s effectiveness in meeting its goals and objectives

ASSESSMENT TOOLS: Chart Comparison: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Uses *Anecdotal Records *Checklists *Participation Charts *Rating Scales Sample of Products Photographs Video Interviews

EVALUATION: REVIEWING ASSESSMENT DATA Questions to ask when reviewing the data… What evidence of progress is shown? What are the child’s needs, interests, and abilities? Are there concerns about the child’s development? Are there concerns about the child’s health? Are there any behavior problems? Does the child show positive self-esteem? Summary statements to be formulated: Evidence of progress Needs, interests, and abilities Development Health Behavior Self-esteem

GUIDELINES FOR OBSERVING CHILDREN Information collected about children and families must be kept confidential Arrive on time and in appropriate dress Do not discuss a child’s behavior outside the classroom Use first names only in discussions Do not bring personal belongings into the classroom when you observe Avoid talking to other observers or the staff when you observe Respect the children and never enter into play unless invited Sit away from the action so you don’t interfere or cause a disruption by your presence If a child asks you what you are doing, answer in a matter-of-fact manner Avoid judging the teacher or the program

WRITING ANECDOTAL RECORDS Used to develop an understanding of a child’s behavior Observe children playing, learning, and interacting Must be objective (observable actions and non-evaluative) Who was involved What happened When it happened Where it occurred Example: pg 46 Descriptive or Interpretive practice worksheet Anecdotal Record Assignment: Due Monday, January 14th

Chapter 3 Test TBD