1. OBSERVING CHILDREN: A Tool for Assessment
Chapter 3 p

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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. … 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Chapter 3 Test
TBD