Attention Span

Cgnitive development, with respect to memory and attention span is affected by physical, emotional, and cultural influences.

Language and speech

After a child's first birthday vocabulary grows at a terriffic rate. beginning talkers usually start with one word and picks up on more words from other people talking.

Children's Emotions

Emotions are not grown. They change from simlpe to complex. Their development occurs in predictable stages but in individual ways.Children develop emotions in expressions and control.

trhge difference between a running record and anecdotal recording

The Running Record is being documented as the events are happening and the Anecdotal Recording usually is being documented after a significant event.

checklists

A Checklist is a predetermined list of criteria against which the recorder answers yes or no. Checklist is described as a closed method because no raw data or evidence is recorded, just the decision of the recorder about the criterion. A valid child develpoment Checklist records the attainment of accepted developmental millestones of knowledge, behavior, and skills. Checklists' criteria should be closely examined for appropriateness to the population they are assesing and the developmental sequence of the criteria. The Checklist is reused periodically to measure progress along the developmental continuum. The Checklist is an effective tool to share with the family. It shows expected developmental progression at the level attained within those expectations.

The Class LIst Log

The Class List Log is a format to record one or short, specific pieces of information about each child present on that day. Blank forms are made byb alphabetically arranging the first names of the children. While the children are engaged in work or play, the recorder uses the Class List Logs to record information on one skil or behavior for each child in the group. The Class List Log is best for recording on the spot observations or memorable frequent events. Uses of the Class Log List might be used to take attendance or to make notes on one's behavior for a specific purpose. The advantages is an efficient method because it is quick and easy, records specific information on every child in the group, gives specific,dated, factual information, can be transferred to other forms of recordings as base information,and can be used later for comparison. The disadvantages may not be desirable because the forms becomes outdated as tghe chilkdren enter or leave the group, rewrituing is time consuming, limited information is recorded, and it must be repeated to be valuable for comparison.

why observe children

Teachers observe children to collect information to be measured against a whole body of knowledge about child development in general an that child in particular. The most important reason for watching children is to keep them safe. Recognizing the signs of sickness or disease is another reason to observe, decide, and act. Observation may indicate that help is needed. The teacher onserves the chid in choice time and talks with the child about the choice of play he choose. Watching a child reveals personality, learning styles, and could give clues to teaching strategies. Through observation, teachers can see that teachable moment, that budding interest, that blossoming skill. Teachers should talk with every child, and what better subject to discuss with them, than the child's activities. Prevention is always better than remedy.
Children change so quickly. Based on knowledge of child development, certain changes are expected and anticipated. Teachers watch children to gather information. Evaluation is the decision making step of assesment. Sometimes questions or even red flags arise when a teacher observes a child. Observing is not just looking at a child, but thinking about our influence on the child and the child's effect on us. Proof is needed to show that children are learning and meeting the standards and expected outcomes.