6 Ways To Improve Observation And Assessment Skills In Early Childhood

By Author: Little Wings Holistic Childhood Center
Total Articles: 14
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Children are like raw clay and they can be molded in any shape as per the wish. They watch the individuals around them and learn to replicate those actions and habits themselves. This is where the role of parents and early childhood educators comes in.

If we observe carefully, children learn from what they see around. They are like a clean slate; they have no preconceived notions about anything. If we work on their observation skills, we can mold them with much-needed wisdom that can help them lifelong.

Everything doesn’t just stop with just observation; it also has another element to it which is assessment skills. A child should be able to observe situations, people, and things and understand the depth of it. It helps in the overall development of a child including cognitive, psychological, and socio-economical skills. It has to be instilled not only by educators but also by parents and the society to raise responsible citizens of tomorrow.

Some of the ways to improve observation and assessment in early childhood include:

1. Observation

Now, this part of the observation role has to be played ...
... by educators. They need not put in an effort to observe children. All that they need to observe the children through playful activities which in turn will give them an idea about the child’s intellectual, socio-economical, and cognitive approach and thinking. Based on this, they can start working on areas of improvement which your child needs.

Children also learn a lot from what they observe at home. As parents are mostly working professionals, it is important to keep some time to spend with your child so that you notice them and guide them from time to time. Maintaining a positive environment and communication at home also becomes an important factor as the child grabs quickly what you speak and how you behave.

2. Child Development Specific Programs

The early education system is evolving in the modern times. Gone are the days when children used to stay at home with grandparents until they turn 3-4 years of age. The competition nowadays (be it academics, sports or co-curricular) is intense and every parent wants their child to be prepared for such challenges.

There are plenty of good quality play schools where the educators focus on child-specific programs with the help of parents. This allows for improving their overall development and makes your child future-ready.

3. Timely Educators Rating

Ratings at regular intervals help the parents and educators determine the growth of the child. Such a rating not only allows the child to listen, communicate, and develop language skills but also helps with formulating customized methods to improve. It also lets you understand the area of interest or a special skill that your child may be inclined towards.

4. Tests, But No Test

Children should not be put to test as every child is unique in what we hear. It is true to some extent, but then how would an educator assess the growth of a child? Well, there are many other standardized ways like fun and learn, play, and test. For instance: A simple test with a ball where kids are asked to throw and catch it. Here, it is fun also a play, but from the assessment point of view, the educator can test on observation skills, motor skills, and concentration, etc.

5. Documenting the Growth

An educator’s job is made easy if they keep taking note of the kid’s development over a period of time. This allows them to co-operate with parents and together work on the further development of the child.

6. Case Studies

An early educator should refer to researched and tested published case studies and try replicating them while assessing the children and formulating remedial measures.

Thus, early childhood plays an important part in the upbringing of a child. Adulthood is a mirror of childhood. It is upon the educators, parents, and the society to give them room for good mental, physical, and socio-economic growth. Today’s kids will be tomorrow’s youth and will be future leaders. Hence, we must lay the perfect foundation for better tomorrow of not just kids, but also for the society and nation.

Little Wings School id the Top Preschool in Ahmedabad which is known for its Holistic Learning Approach. For more visit us at https://www.littlewings.net/. Email us at digital.littlewings@gmail.com