Documentation Boards Early Childhood Development Dr Judy Herr

Documentation Boards: Early Childhood Development Dr. Judy Herr

Art Development Rita, 4 years Anecdotal Note: Rita’s picture is showing art skills in the third stage of art development: First Drawings. Rita uses her increasing skill of drawing basic forms to represent flowers. The flowers mimic the flowers Rita observes in her natural environment, although the colors are not realistic. The flowers are large and randomly placed along the bottom of her drawing. As Rita’s skills progress, she is likely to start adding animals, trees, houses and other objects to her drawings.

Cooking Experiences Program Goals: 1. Introduce new foods to children 2. Provide nutritious meals and snacks 3. Encourage healthy eating habits 4. Involve children in food preparation 5. Provide nutrition information to families Under-nutrition, malnutrition, and overeating are all problems that can lead to poor health and development. A nutritious diet is needed to help children build a strong body and mind. The early childhood classroom can act as a foundation for healthy eating habits that will follow children their whole lives through. Finna, learns through play about healthy eating habits.

Art Development Sophia, 24 months Anecdotal Note: At the art easel Sophia demonstrated art skills in the first stage of art development: Scribbles. While gripping the paint brush by wrapping her fist around the top part of the handle Sophia made sweeping vertical and diagonal strokes on the paper by pressing the brush against the paper and dragging the brush downward. She showed preference for color by self-selecting orange and yellow paint.

Cutting Most young children choose to participate in cutting experiences. At first, children will only snip in a straight line. As their skills become more refined, children are likely to begin cutting curves. With time and practice each day, children will develop the hand-eye coordination skills that are needed to cut with a scissors. It is important for classroom space to be provided for cutting. Additionally, children should be given scissors that are of good quality. Less advanced children will feel more successful if they are given long strips of paper to begin with. If children are left handed, be sure to provide them with a scissors that corresponds with their handedness. *Notice how the child in the pictures holds up on the paper for support as she cuts in a straight line. Observations, such as this, help teachers in planning future experiences for skill building. Future experiences might include a different texture of paper or a basic shape printed on paper for the child to cut-out.

Planting promotes… Observations Skills Science Concepts Interests Math Concepts Fine Motor Skills Language Skills

Science Active engagement in science activities helps children understand the world as they question and explore answers to their questions. Children can apply their natural curiosity and imagination to scientific experiences that teach them to watch, listen, wonder, question, study, explore and observe. By using their five senses children are able to classify information and develop concepts. Be aware of teachable moments, that is those unplanned daily occurrences that expose children to scientific principles. A teachable moment occurs while these children study the leaves of the broccoli they planted in the class garden. They discover bugs crawling on the plants! The discovery of bugs on the plants naturally lends itself to future learning about insects.

1. Recognize print 2. Recognizes letters in name 3. Notices differences 7. Recognizes left-to-rightprogression Manuscript Recognition Emerging Competence 4. Begins writing name 6. Recognizes letters make up words 5. Associates letters as representing sounds

Self-Reflection Teacher: Julian Gutierrez Date: 3/17/XX • Reflecting on Learning Experience: During small group circle time Sara, who is 5 years-of-age, participated in the song, “Itsy-Bitsy Spider. ” She was able to coordinate the finger play movements while singing the song. Sara smiled while singing the song and requested that the group sing the song again by saying, “One more time!” While repeating the song, Sara positioned herself next to me. I noticed that she was pronouncing the /r/ in spider as a /w/. After circle time, I questioned Sara about the song and she continued pronouncing the /r/ as the /w/ sound. • Analyzing typical development: Typically, developing 5 year-olds delight in singing songs and coordinating related finger movements. During this stage of development, it is not unusual for children to experience difficultly in pronouncing some letter sounds. With maturity and experience, children often outgrow mispronunciation of letter sounds.

Shiloh’s Activity Preferences Note: Children learn best when the curriculum is tailored to their needs, interests, abilities, and experiences. By observing the children’s favorite activities and preferences for toys, we can plan a developmentally appropriate curriculum that helps each child reach their full potential. Record of Preferences: Monday: Shiloh chose blocks and made a road for small plastic cars to drive on during self-selected activity period. Wednesday: Shiloh experienced difficulty with paper cutting skills during the morning small group activity. Shiloh chose puzzles and put together the race car puzzle twice before moving on to another puzzle during center activities. Friday: Shiloh participated in large group story by singing louder than most of the other children. She experienced delight in moving her body to the rhythm of the song. While playing with lacing cards, Shiloh experienced difficulty in hand-eye coordination. As a result, she moved to another task. Individualized Curriculum: After observing Shiloh, it is apparent that she chooses activities which include music and movement. She needs to engage in more activities that will help her to further develop hand-eye coordination and small motor skills.

Sensory Play Teaches… Prosocial Skills Imagination Expressive Language Skills Problem Solving Skills Language Concepts Math Concepts Science Concepts Hand-eye Coordination Skills

Sequencing Classifying: color, shape, and size Comparing Performing one-to-one correspondence Early Childhood Mathematics Goals Patterning Estimating Writing Numbers Role Counting

Developmental Emerging Competences Preschool – 4 K Child’s Name: Brody Age: 5 yrs. 1 mo. Date: 09 -10 -XX Observer: Jamie Area(s) of Development: Cognitive, Language, and Physical (Fine Motor) Check off all that apply to this observation: üChild-initiated task q. Teacher-directed task üTask completed independently q. Task completed in small group q. Task completed in large group q. Needed adult help to complete task Photograph demonstrating the Anecdotal Note (What the child did and/or said): developmental milestones: Brody used problem solving skills to manipulate the plastic shape changer. He was able to move the toy into a variety of shapes. After 3 -5 minutes of experimenting with different shapes he looked up, smiled and said, “Look what I can do!”

Social Development Preschoolers and kindergarteners are typically helpful and cooperative. During this stage of development, they become increasingly independent of caregivers and often prefer to interact with other children opposed to adults. Young children typically view friendships as being with people who like you. Increasingly, attention from friends becomes more important. To promote friendships, teachers need to provide experience to promote the development of prosocial and conflict resolution skills.

Emerging Competences: Large and Small Motor Child’s Name: Shealeen Age: 3 years Teacher: Dominique Date: 2/16/XX Indicate milestones demonstrated by writing the date the skill was observed behind it: Large motor: Small Motor: Extends arm forward to catch 9/12 Uses eating utensils 9/31 Underhanded throw 9/17 Strings beads 2/02 Somersault 10/24 Draws a straight line 1/18 Alternates feet when walking up stairs 9/02 Draws a circle Rides a tricycle 11/05 Pours from a pitcher Runs 9/17 Builds block towers 7 high Gallops Uses a scissors properly Hops 12/06 Note: Those milestones that do not have a date indicated are still in progress of being mastered. Optional: A picture of the child can be attached to this board.

Skills that Storytime and Books Teach… Hand-eye Coordination Vocabulary Creativity Listening Logical/ Analytical Thinking Reading teaches: Receptive & Expressive Language Concept Development Love of books Problem Solving Grammar Reading readiness Left-to-right progression

Child Development Documentation Family-Teacher Conference Form Summary for _Finna___ Date: __1/25/XX___ Child’s favorite activities are: Finna often engages in play at the sensory table, art table, babies, outdoor play and her friends. Interaction of child with teachers: Finna is a delight to have in the room. She communicates well with her peers and caregivers because of her excellent receptive and expressive language skills. Observations show that she seeks Jamie’s attention and care when stressed or tried. Interaction of child with children: Finna interacts frequently with her classmates. She demonstrates the prosocial skills of turn-taking and sharing. Child’s self -help skills: Finna is very independent and has mastered self-help skills. Including: • • • Clearing her place at the table Washing and drying her hands Finding her chair at meal time Circle Time: Finna always participates in circle time; she models positive interaction skills with other children. She activity engages in singing, finger plays and books. Large/Small motor activities: Finna demonstrates excellent large motor skills and her fine motor skills are improving. Activity preferences: Large motor Running Climbing Sliding Small motor Puzzles Sensory Experiences Art Teacher signature________ Parent signature______________

Chart Making Chart making is a routine event in most early childhood classrooms. It is an important learning tool for helping children to collect, compare and interpret information. Charts can also be a valuable tool for observing, describing, and making predictions. You can help encourage children to chart information such as: names, pets, family size, hobbies, cars, animals, colors, fruits, vegetables, clothes etc. After tasting a variety of rainforest fruits, the children’s used language skills to describe their sensory experience. The teacher recorded their favorite rainforest fruit on a chart. The facilitated a discussion to interpret the charted information.

Block Building Child: Tanner Classroom Area: Block Observer: Deidre Date: 11/24/XX Anecdotal Note: While playing in the block area, Tundi held up individual blocks and identified them verbally according to shape, size and color. He used both fine and large motor skills. While playing, he shared space and blocks with other children. After building the structure, he smiled while explaining the finished product. Then he said, “Look, this is a shelter for homeless people to live in. ” Skills learned (check those which have been demonstrated): Cognitive: Shape recognition Size recognition Color recognition Balance Language: Receptive Verbal description/explanation Physical: Fine motor coordination Large motor coordination Spatial relationship Emotional: Shows joy, accomplishment and pride Social: Sharing Optional: Attach picture of block building experience to this checklist.

Emotional Literacy Checklist Child’s Name: Jabardi Date Observed: 2 -24 -XX Age: 36 months Observer: Lori Time Observed: 8: 00 - 9: 00 a. m. Check all of the following which are observed during observation: üHappy Sorry üLoved Disappointed üMad üSad üUpset Pride üSurprised Embarrassed üExcited Boastful üOther: Tired Briefly describe the observation: Jabardi arrived in the classroom with a smile. He hung his jacket in his cubby and went directly over to the dramatic play area where he dressed up in firefighter clothes with classmates. Jabardi frequently smiled and laughed during play. He frowned and sucked in his lower lip when another child took a firefighter hat from him. He quickly found another hat. Toward the end play, Jabardi rubbed his eyes and yawned.

Window of Child Development 3. 1. 10. 2. Background -Korean Family Background -Mother, Father and older sister (Sadzi) Interests -Toy vehicles -Books about trucks and animals -Sensory play, especially water -Dancing -Playing in the music center Emotional Strengths -Self-regulation of behavior is improving -Takes pride in her work Social Strengths -Engages in interactive play -Makes friends easily -Shows preference for same-sex friendships 7. 8. Language Strengths -Uses simple grammatical structures -Enjoys interacting with others Learning Style -Kinesthetic 5. 6. Amy age 4 years 8 months 9. 4. Temperament -Flexible, easy-going, independent Physical Strengths -Large Motor: -Runs, jumps, hops, gallops and is developing a more coordinated throw -Rides a tricycle -Fine Motor: -Can draw circles and some letters Cognitive Strengths -Classifies familiar objects -Uses private speech to complete challenging activities -Sustains attention during small group and free choice play

Capturing Children’s Conversations Observation: Outdoor Play Macy, 3 years Grant: “I have to use my big muscles and climb to the top, then I can turn around and slide down. I land on the ground and then climb again. ” Anecdotal Note: The above picture illustrates gains in the five developmental domains. Grant is using large muscle skills to climb and cognitive skills to problem solve an effective method for moving up and down. Emotionally, He is gaining self-confidence in his ability by persisting at a task. In addition, Grant is practicing language skills by describing his movements as he climbs. Socially, Grant is demonstrating the ability to share equipment with another child while also explaining his movement to another child.

Capturing Children’s Concepts Curricular Area: Music A. Before Theme • Before Unit “You can hear it. ” Lexi, age 4 “You can play it. ” Connor, age 5 B. After Theme “Music can be played with instruments or by singing and dancing. ” Connor, age 5 “We listen to music with our ears. ” Lexi, age 4 “Music is loud or soft. ” Gannon, age 4 Music “Singing is music. ” Rajesh, age 5 “Music is fun” Gannon, age 4 “Music goes up and down. ” Connor, age 5 Music “Music goes fast or slow. ” Gannon, age 4 “Music can be heavy or light. ” Rajesh, age 5

Tunnel Crawl Tundi, age 3 (entering) Ian, age 3 (left) Rosa, age 3 (right) Anecdotal Note: Maneuvering through and around the tunnel while playing encourages children to further develop problem-solving skills as they engage their large muscles. Tundi, Ian and Rosa are also developing social skills while sharing space in interactive play. Emotionally, they are gaining self-confidence in their success crawling through the tunnel. This activity also provides opportunity for language skills and prosocial skills.

Child Development Milestones Cognitive: Classifies objects during play Learns simple games Engages in fantasy play Language: Engages in conversation Exaggerates while practicing new words Uses words in a silly ways Speaks with expression Ahn 4 yrs. 9 mo. 04 -14 -XX Emotional: Often engages in independent play Persists at tasks Uses words to describe feelings Boasts, shows off Social: Makes friends Shares Seeks approval Likes to whisper and tell secrets Physical: Runs with increasing speed Skips on one foot Rides a tricycle Buttons, buckles, and zips Writes her first name Cuts with a scissors

Farm Animal Field Trip Spring, 2 XXX Anecdotal Note: During the past week, the toddlers have been working on a farm animal theme. Many farm related activities were introduced that required the children to imitate farm animal sounds. After the fieldtrip, the preschoolers enjoyed imitating farm animals sounds which were more realistic after observing calves, piglets, chicks and ducklings. Some children also enjoyed imitating their movements.

Art Experiences Art experiences, such as the one pictured below, promote physical, social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Physical growth is promoted through the movements associated with molding, drawing, coloring and painting. Social growth is promoted when children share materials and take responsibility for caring and putting away materials. Art promotes emotional growth by providing creative expression. While exploring, experimenting and problem-solving cognitive growth is promoted. A well-stocked early childhood classroom provides a variety of art materials for children that allow them to grow while exercising their creativity by creating their own unique art projects.

Teaching Prosocial Behaviors Prosocial behaviors are those behaviors which are socially acceptable and wellregarded in their society. Prosocial behaviors include: sharing, using manners, and treating others with kindness and respect. It is important for children to learn prosocial behaviors as it helps making friends, building self-esteem and allowing them to live and work peacefully with others. Teach Prosocial Skills: 1. Discuss prosocial behaviors with children 2. Model prosocial behaviors 3. Provide play experiences that allow children to practice prosocial skills 4. Read stories that promote character building Preschoolers learn prosocial skills by discussing, observing and practicing prosocial behaviors associated with thank you writing.

Children Learn Best Through Play Art Hand-eye coordination Creativity Fine motor Pretend Play Respect Perspective-taking Self-confidence Books Problem Solving Vocabulary Listening skills Logical thinking Skills learned… Sensory Play Scientific principles Problem-solving Properties of matter Games Cooperation Counting Number Hand-eye coordination Puzzles Spatial Relationships Color Sorting Sizes Large Muscle Play Confidence Sharing How things work Turn-taking

Classroom Pets Teach… Responsibility Animal Characteristics and Needs Kindness Habitats Enrichment: Classroom pets can be written about to promote literacy or can be included in hypothetical mathematic and scientific lessons that require children to observe and hypothesize. Warning: Be sure none of the children will be allergic to your chosen classroom pet or products used by the classroom pet.

Concepts We Develop Through Water Play: • Some items float in water. • Water flows when poured. • Water takes many forms such as liquid, snow and ice. • Water dissolves some foods. • Water can be held in a container. • Some materials absorb water. • Water can be used for cleaning objects.

Words We Learn Through Sand Play • Opposites: