I enjoyed reading through Vivian Paley's book because it reminded me of how significant play and observations can be within the classroom. I liked how the book gave examples of conversations and interactions between the children and teacher. Something as simple as actively listening to a child and allowing them to take control of what they're doing/talking about can be very beneficial. Educators can get to know children while building off of their interests and expanding their inquiry by having in depth discussions. I believe that this provides educators with the ability to make observations, get an idea of where a child is at developmentally and plan their classroom environment/lesson plans in order to support the children's needs.
I think that this book was selected for us to read because it supports the fact that educators don't have to use a written standardized assessment in order to understand where their students are at. There are many different types of assessments and I recall using observations and play interactions often while I was first starting out in the education field. Till this day I still use and believe that this is a valuable way to assess children and to document their ongoing progress. By implementing this, it provides an opportunity for educators to build strong connections, understandings and relationships with their students. They are able to engage with them without being limited to a set checklist or assessment. It also cuts costs of educators/programs having to purchase assessments.
This book gave me more insight as to how play can be used strategically within the classroom. It made me reflect on my own teaching practices as well. I love to use observations, pictures and videos as supportive evidence. I think it's important to allow free play for children within a classroom. Educators can strategically set up their environment with a variety of open ended materials. They can give children the ability to make free choices, explore their interests and guide their own learning. I love to engage with my students and promote their learning through their play. It gives me the chance to expand on what they know, like and can do. I can also scaffold their learning while getting to know my students.
I think that this book was selected for us to read because it supports the fact that educators don't have to use a written standardized assessment in order to understand where their students are at. There are many different types of assessments and I recall using observations and play interactions often while I was first starting out in the education field. Till this day I still use and believe that this is a valuable way to assess children and to document their ongoing progress. By implementing this, it provides an opportunity for educators to build strong connections, understandings and relationships with their students. They are able to engage with them without being limited to a set checklist or assessment. It also cuts costs of educators/programs having to purchase assessments.
This book gave me more insight as to how play can be used strategically within the classroom. It made me reflect on my own teaching practices as well. I love to use observations, pictures and videos as supportive evidence. I think it's important to allow free play for children within a classroom. Educators can strategically set up their environment with a variety of open ended materials. They can give children the ability to make free choices, explore their interests and guide their own learning. I love to engage with my students and promote their learning through their play. It gives me the chance to expand on what they know, like and can do. I can also scaffold their learning while getting to know my students.
Hi Courtney,
ReplyDeleteIt's so interesting to see what children know just based off of our observations, isn't it? We have never met the children in Ms. Paley's class, and since the book was written so long ago, most of those children are likely close to my age. Still, we were able to learn so much about those children, and perhaps could even envision ourselves in the classroom with Ms. Paley as the took her observations. After all, what preschool teacher hasn't had their fair share of birthdays, bad guys, and babies?
This gets to the heart of what assessment can be if we could only get out of the way. The strategies you mention using are also great ways to show what children can do as well. Mahalo for sharing your experiences this week!