Ms. Key's Class Blogs

Traditional assessments can sometimes feel disconnected from their everyday experiences, but there are effective strategies to increase authenticity while also boosting educators' skills in documentation. Use Observational Assessments: Rather than relying solely on tests or checklists, observe children in natural settings—during play, group activities, and self-directed learning. Document these moments with photos, videos, and written notes. This approach gives a more accurate snapshot of each child's development in real-life contexts.  Incorporate Child-Led Documentation: Encourage children to document their own learning through drawings, simple recordings, or journals. This not only provides insight into their thinking but also empowers them to take ownership of their progress. Reflect on Developmental Milestones: Instead of focusing solely on academic skills, assess emotional, social, and physical milestones. A holistic view of a child’s development will increase the a...

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...