First, Technolgy is your friend.

If you’re anything like me, you don’t use technology in your classroom very often, so when I do it’s a real treat for my students. I make sure there are a variety of appropriate learning games that focus on phonics or numeracy. I also borrow from other teachers so that I have enough to keep everyone engaged. Some think an ipad is not the best tool, but I say it is a valuable part of our classroom’s toolbox. This allows me time for two things, either one to one assessment or small group time. An additional bonus is the app tracks progress, so additional data happens at the same time.

Unlike centers which you will also see on this list when my students are instructed to use games like Teach your Monster to Read, Razkids, Scratch Jr or Prodigy. I am sure they are gaining valuable skills in a fun and engaging way. Would I do this every day? We do, in smaller chunks maybe for ten minutes as a center but during assessment days like Fun Friday or closer to Reporting periods it’s a heck yes. I wouldn’t use them for more than twenty minutes on any given day. This extra time really allows them to explore and practice their skills while I get assessment completed.

Second, ask really good questions to get assessment fast.

Don’t forget the value of a really good checklist. Having one beside you at all times is never a bad idea. I quickly rate responses from one to four beside each student’s name based on Grade level expectations. I also have a chart for writing down direct quotes to share later with families. It personalizes my report cards to be reader friendly, but it also captures a moment in time. If you are new to teaching or a particular grade in Ontario. A really helpful resource, I found when I was just starting out was The Canadian Homeschooler Checklist. It breaks down the curriculum into a checklist. Which is so helpful as you get to know the expectations.

Third a picture really does say a thousand words.

I have one device dedicated to my assessment photos. In a fast pace Grade One classroom photo’s are a life saver. Photo’s also make great bulletin boards. Are useful for family night, great to share with other classes and to use in their portfolios. Photos for the win! I often pair a photo with a short quote from the student to really show their learning. It is important to note that organizing and printing the photos regularly is helpful. If you don’t keep them organized the same way you do with the rest of your data they can become less useful. Insert thought bubble of my iphone here and my 10 000 photos. Don’t do it that way, ha! Hard fact my work life is always the most organized version of me.

Fourth centres.

Centres do work well but they have to be really well thought out and thoroughly practiced. If not they will just cause you stress. I don’t know what it is about centres but children automatically get louder! Not a little louder but a whole bunch louder. Which can make getting assessment an impossible task. We spend a good chunk of the start of our year learning routines, including how to play during centre time. I keep it limited to fifteen minutes max and we practice regularly keeping the volume at learning levels.

My centres consist of pre-made math manipulatives for open ended play. STEM bins with challenge cards. Challenge cards are cards that give the students a task and is often followed by a writing activity. I’ll be making these soon for my store. I’ll come back and link them when I do so you can see what I mean. I also have Duplo, Ipads and decoding centers available. I spend time pre-teaching everything early in the year and that sets us up for long term success.

Last on this list but definitely my favorite way to get assessment. Go outside.

Depending on what I need to do, will dictate how I approach my outside learning. If I need to do individual reading assessments I allow the children to play together in the sun. I let them use the equipment and encourage running & play. If I want to do more antidotal writing we do a lot of science, math and social studies outside. It’s really fun to make these connections together in the fresh air. If you’re interested in learning more about Outside leaning check out my post about it here.

Hopefully there were some helpful tips in here to aid with the overwhelming task of assessing a wide variety of skill levels. My best and final piece of advice here is allow yourself the freedom not to plan each moment with teacher-led activities. Allow your students time to be independent, problem solve, critically think and take the lead. It will pay off in dividends.

With Love, C.

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