Reflection #3 Using Observation and Documentation Skills

Reflection #3

Using Observation and Documentation Skills

By

Darcie Pike-Wilkie

          “I think the process of documentation is very important and useful for my understandings and planning.” I chose this statement as being the most true to me as I reflect upon my view of the role of observation and documentation in my kindergarten classroom.

A few years ago, I was privileged to be able to sit on the Kindergarten Curriculum Writing Committee. I recall our conversations around the importance of observation and documentation as kindergarten teachers planned their classroom activities and environment. The committee made several suggestions as to possible methods of documentation. I have considered many of these suggestions as I developed the system I presently use.

One of the tools I use the most is the “Show Me What You Know” binder. The binder is sectioned off with dividers and each child has their own area. In here, I keep record of the children’s learning and behaviours as we progress through the school year. Some examples are, I record their name printing in September, November, March, and May. I record the sounds they are able to produce, the letters, numbers, and sight words they recognize or can identify.  I keep observational notes on whoever the “shining star” is for that day. (one child per day) This reminds me of the centers that the child chose to visit on that particular day, who he/she played with, and anything I found significant to write down about that child’s day.

When we do work stations, I keep notes on post-it notes and put them on the “work” that the children have done. These notes allow me to see the areas that each child is working on and the areas I need to help them with. The children’s “work” is collected in their portfolio and is visited often to see the child’s progress and where we will go next with our learning. I also take many photographs of the students throughout the year. These can be used for bulletin board displays, highlighting the fun we have as we accomplish our curriculum outcomes. In the last few years, I have also used these photos with captions to make learning stories for the children. These books go home at the end of the year with each child illustrating the learning that he/she experienced during his/her kindergarten year.

I not only refer to the documentation for planning, but also as I complete progress reports and as I carry out parent-teacher interviews. Once upon a time I relied too much on my memory, something I certainly cannot rely upon now...

It has taken me many years to “fine tune” how I observe and document the children’s learning and experiences in my classroom.  It seems that each year I tweak it a little more as I find out what is working and what is not. As I read the possible choices that best described the role of observation and documentation, I really wanted to be able to say that I think of it as a delightful treasure hunt with many treasures to be found. A treasure hunt implies fun and no pressure. Although there is much to be reaped from observation and documentation, I find it much work, time and effort.