Observing Children:

A tool for
Assessment
by: harley parker

Anecdotal Records.
The simplest form of direct observation is a brief narrative account of a
specific incident.
ex. incident report

checklists
Are designed to record the presence or absence of specific traits or
behaviors.
example: If we are working on fine motor skills, you are seeing if they
know grasp things. If they can, then you check yes, if they can't you
check no.

Rating scales.
Rating scales are used to record the degree to which a quality or trait is
present.
Example: You could use this for Social/Emotional Rating scale on
behavior and label the tabs on top never, sometimes, usually, always,
and check which one they are.

Participation Chart
Can be developed to gain information on a specific aspects of childrens
behavior.
example: You can use Activity preferences during self-selected play, you
list on the student's names, and the activities they participate in you
put the letter of the subject in that block.

Portfolios
IS a collection of materials that shows a person abilities,
accomplishments, and a progress over time.
example: Teacher observations and other records gathered through
assessments, developmental rating scales or checklists. parents
comments and completed questionnaires, a dated series of the child's
artwork or writing . etc