1-Identify childrens growth and development

When we plan our activities and curriculum, they must be based on learning
experiences that make the subject matter meaningful for the children. I learned
from the article The power of planning that reading-aloud to children develops
language and literacy skills. When we add I wonder statements to our read-aloud
it will get children thinking. We as early childhood educators see the progress of a
childs growth and development through our observations and documentations.
There are many different ways we can write about a childs progress. I learned from
the article Write it or forget it that anecdotal records is a teachers written
account of an event the teacher observes directly. Through our documentation we
describe a childs actions and records in direct quotes what a child says. Anecdotal
records can be formal or informal. Formal anecdotal records are written on forms.
Informal anecdotal records are just as valuable for documenting observations.
Assessments can be used in written or oral activities. Teachable moments can be
anywhere, they can be in a classroom setting, simulated environment or a
practicum site. Childrens progress can be observed and documented individually or
in groups. I learned from the article why rhyming is important that nursery rhymes
help language, cognitive, physical, and social/emotional development. Listening
comprehension precedes reading comprehension. Rhymes are repetitious and help
children memorize basic structures and patterns in the English language. When we
create learning experiences based on our observations, children continue to
progress in learning and development. The subject matter must be meaningful to
the child. Children learn through activity plans, transitions tools, circle times, readaloud, finger plays, rhymes, song, and activity centers we create based on what we
observe and document. I learned from the article transitions that transitions take
up to 30 % of the day. This is a great learning opportunity for children. Transitions
should be constructed according to the interest of the children in our classrooms.
Transitions eliminate waiting and the mistaken behavior that accompanies waiting
with children. I learned from the article Teaching tips for successful circle times
that circle times help children:
1)
2)
3)
4)

Develop skills and attentions spans

Promotes oral communications
Teachers new concepts and skills
Have fun

Anything we plan for children needs to be based on our observations so we can

document and identify a childs growth and development. When we follow the
established guidelines for observations, we see what children need help in and we
create activities to help the children learn and grow. It is important that we observe,
document, and assess to support young children and their families. I learned all
activity plans we create are based on the Wisconsin Model Early Learning standards.
WMELS improve the quality of all learning environments and guide professional
development of activities and investments. I learned from the book Wisconsin
Model Early Learning Standards these standards create quality early learning

opportunities and is a guide in the selection and implementation of curriculum and

assessments. WMELS provides the framework of developmentally appropriate
expectations for young children that can guide in the creation, evaluation, and
implementation of curriculum that promotes positive development and learning
experiences for young children.