Linking Standards and Engaged Learning in the Early Years

Table 1

Examples of Documentation in Early Childhood Classrooms*

Type of Documentation

Collection Method

I. Individual Portfolios

Specific content area items collected at specific intervals, for example, writing samples; record of problem solving using numbers; unique items that show learning style, interests, unique talents of individual children

An example of an individual portfolio item is Baxter's labeling of his vegetable drawings.

II. Products
(Individual or Group)

Products that children make or produce such as spoken language as collected in anecdotal notes or audio/visual tapes; written language as collected in signs, captions to photos, drawings, letters, labels, and child- made books; constructions such as play environments, Lego, or block structures; drawn pictures or paintings; records of data collection; musical expressions such as made-up songs or dances; records of vocabulary or concepts learned such as webs and lists of words

An example of a group product is the boiler constructed by 3- and 4-year-olds.

III. Observations

Observations made by the teacher and recorded as specific knowledge or skills on a developmental checklist or curriculum guide; anecdotal notes on events indicating knowledge, skills, or dispositions; behavioral indicators of dispositions (expression of interest, time spent on activities, self-selection of activities)

An example of an observation is this description of tallying during the Fire Truck Project.

IV. Child Self-reflections
Children’s statements of understanding their own preferences of activity, enjoyment, or interest in content areas; pride in accomplishment; acceptance of need for persistence and hard work

An example of a child's self-reflection is Taylor's comment on his building.

V. Narratives of Learning
Experiences
Stories of learning experiences of individuals, small groups, or the whole class in

teacher journals

displays on projects and units

books or explanations for parents

books or stories for children

The turtle story presented earlier is an example of a narrative.

*Adapted from Helm, Beneke, & Steinheimer (1998, p. 36).

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Type of Documentation	Collection Method
I. Individual Portfolios	Specific content area items collected at specific intervals, for example, writing samples; record of problem solving using numbers; unique items that show learning style, interests, unique talents of individual children An example of an individual portfolio item is Baxter's labeling of his vegetable drawings.
II. Products (Individual or Group)	Products that children make or produce such as spoken language as collected in anecdotal notes or audio/visual tapes; written language as collected in signs, captions to photos, drawings, letters, labels, and child- made books; constructions such as play environments, Lego, or block structures; drawn pictures or paintings; records of data collection; musical expressions such as made-up songs or dances; records of vocabulary or concepts learned such as webs and lists of words An example of a group product is the boiler constructed by 3- and 4-year-olds.
III. Observations	Observations made by the teacher and recorded as specific knowledge or skills on a developmental checklist or curriculum guide; anecdotal notes on events indicating knowledge, skills, or dispositions; behavioral indicators of dispositions (expression of interest, time spent on activities, self-selection of activities) An example of an observation is this description of tallying during the Fire Truck Project.
IV. Child Self-reflections	Children’s statements of understanding their own preferences of activity, enjoyment, or interest in content areas; pride in accomplishment; acceptance of need for persistence and hard work An example of a child's self-reflection is Taylor's comment on his building.
V. Narratives of Learning Experiences	Stories of learning experiences of individuals, small groups, or the whole class in teacher journals displays on projects and units books or explanations for parents books or stories for children The turtle story presented earlier is an example of a narrative.