Ms. Key's Class Blogs

Every child brings a unique set of strengths, needs, and life experiences. For educators working in underserved communities, thoughtful observation and assessment are essential tools to ensure each child receives the support they need to thrive. 1. Malik  Malik, age four, lives in a shelter with his family. During free play, his teacher notices he often hoards snacks and avoids pretend play. Assessment shows he’s below average in social-emotional development but strong in problem-solving. Using this data, the teacher creates a predictable routine and includes real-life role-play activities (like a grocery store or kitchen center) that help Malik feel safe and practice social skills. Access to consistent meals and a cozy reading corner also help build trust and reduce anxiety. 2. Aaliyah  Aaliyah, age five, is nonverbal and often becomes overwhelmed in loud or busy environments. Observation reveals she’s calm when working alone with sensory materials and loves puzzles. Her ...

In early childhood classrooms, the best plans come from simply paying attention. When we observe children closely and use assessment tools thoughtfully, we can create spaces and activities that actually reflect who they are and what they need. I once noticed that our dramatic play area was mostly empty. But through observation notes and informal check-ins, I learned that the children were more interested in real-life roles they saw in their neighborhoods bus drivers, store clerks, barbers. We swapped in new props, and suddenly, the space came alive with stories, teamwork, and joy. That shift started with assessment. On a bigger level, I’ve seen how national tools like Teaching Strategies GOLD connect with our state’s quality systems. When we use the same language and goals, we can share data across classrooms, plan smarter supports, and make real change especially for multilingual learners and families from diverse backgrounds. At the end of the day, good assessment helps us see chi...

"Parents are their child’s first and most important teacher." When educators share what they see and learn in the classroom, families can: Understand how their child is doing Support learning at home Work together with teachers to meet goals Speak up for what their child needs Why It’s Extra Important in Underserved Communities Families may face: Language barriers Lack of access to resources Limited time or transportation That’s why clear, caring communication is key. It builds trust and opens doors.  Tips for Talking with Families About Assessments 1. Speak Plainly Use everyday language. Instead of: "Developmental delays in fine motor skills" Try: "Still learning to use fingers for small tasks like drawing or buttoning clothes" 2. Start with Strengths Let parents know what’s going right. “Amira loves helping clean up, she’s so responsible!” 3. Offer Ideas, Not Just Concerns Give next steps they can use at home. “We’re practicing turn-taking. You could try...

Understanding young children means seeing beyond the classroom. These seven personas are brief but powerful glimpses into the real-life contexts that shape children’s development. Each one brings unique strengths, challenges, and needs—reminding us that early learning is never one-size-fits-all. 1. Jalen – The Caregiver’s Helper Age: 4 Lives with: Grandmother and younger cousins Strengths: Responsible, emotionally mature, takes initiative Needs: More space to just be a child—play-based learning and time to explore without pressure 2. Marie – The Language Learner Age: 3 Home Language: Spanish Strengths: Strong social cues, rich home culture Needs: Language support in English and cultural responsiveness in the classroom 3. Luke – The Frequent Mover Age: 4 Housing: Temporary shelter, often changing Strengths: Adaptable, quick to bond Needs: Stability, predictable routines, and trauma-informed care 4. Sarah – The Quiet Observer Age: 3 Temperament: Shy, cautious Strengths: Excellent listene...

  Let’s be real—working with young children isn’t just about keeping them busy. It’s about understanding them so we can create environments and activities that actually support their growth. That’s where observation and assessment come in. By paying attention to what children do, say, and show us, we get the inside scoop on their interests, strengths, and needs. Then we take that info and plan spaces and experiences that actually match where they are developmentally. Here’s how it plays out: What We Notice   What We Do About It   A child is super into stacking and building Bring in more blocks, add shapes, or challenge them with balance games A toddler points a lot but isn’t using many words yet Plan for more songs, story time, and activities that encourage talking A child gets overwhelmed during cleanup Use visual cues, give heads-ups, and build transitions into the routine A group is obsessed with bugs right now Set up a bug exploration table or plan a nature walk S...

Family engagement isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the secret sauce in helping young children thrive. When families are actively involved, kids feel supported both at home and in the classroom, and that confidence fuels learning.  Now, pair that with ongoing child assessment—a fancy way of saying “we’re paying close attention”—and you’ve got a powerful combo. Educators can spot strengths, support challenges early, and tailor learning experiences to each child’s needs. Think of it as tuning into the child’s growth playlist and adjusting the volume just right. Together, these two create a strong foundation for lifelong learning!