NAEYC Standard 3. Observing, documenting and assessing to support young children and families
3a. Understanding the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment
3b. Knowing about assessment partnerships with families and other colleagues
3c. Knowing about and using observation, documentation, and other appropriate assessment tools and approaches
3d. Understanding and practicing responsible assessment to promote positive outcomes for each child
As a teacher, it is very important to realize the benefits and uses of child assessments for children’s learning and development. In using assessment as a positive tool it greatly improves the outcomes for young children. To perform assessments correctly, a teacher has to know all about how to observe and document students using the correct approaches. Observation gives us a view into who the child really is as well as their unique qualities. From using assessment correctly, it will help us as teachers on how to plan or implement to teach children and also help to report to parents and families about their child’s progress. From there, it may also be beneficial to involve other childhood professionals to help the child in their development.
From course Observation and participation in Early Childhood (CHD 165), I had to observe a child and use a physical development checklist, where I had to observe the child and check off what different fine and gross motor milestones the child accomplished in a set amount of time. This assignment helped me learn about the child physical development, the tools that are used to collect the data, and also to know how and when to plan activities to improve their fine and gross motor skills based on their interests.
The goal is to be able to assess where the child is at and to determine where there might be problems. It also helps in creating activities that can help with their learning in the areas that they need improvement and where they might want to be challenged. I also can use this checklist to report to her parents and ask their opinion or suggestions on how they could help with their child’s physical learning at home or I could suggest them what to do to help with her development. Parents and I could discuss and exchange ideas. From this physical checklist, I had to adapt some of the activities for the environment I was in. For the activities listed on the chart that we didn’t have I had to create a different milestone to learn about the child’s development in that area.
I have learned about the different tools, methods, and goals in child assessment and know what tools are appropriate to use in each observation. I learned how to come up with a plan before starting an observation. Through the course, I learned why it is so important to collect information about children through different tools of observation. Observation improves the outcome of child development and learning for them and their families. Observation helps me learn about each child to include their strengths and weaknesses and to understand their learning progress. Observation also helps me to determine the best methods on how to teach them, to plan an effective curriculum, and to set goals. Through observation I can find evidence that will support my concerns if a child needs to be referred to specialized services or to express my concerns to their family and colleagues. I learned that observing, documenting, and assessing children benefits them, teachers and also parents in promoting a positive outcome in their child’s development.