OBSERVING
CHILDREN: A Tool
for Assessment
Chapter 3
p. 41-51
TERMS TO KNOW: Define
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Anecdotal record
Assessment
Developmental norms
Checklist
Participation chart
Rating scale
Portfolio
Observing Children
• Video: 11 min
• True or False Hunt
– 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
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*Anecdotal Records
*Checklists
*Participation Charts
*Rating Scales
Sample of Products
Photographs
Video
Interviews
EVALUATION:
REVIEWING ASSESSMENT DATA
• Questions to ask when reviewing the data…
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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:
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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 matterof-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 nonevaluative)
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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