Playground Performance Evaluation

It is an important part of a practitioner’s job to observe and assess children in order to establish where a child is at with regards to their development, health and well being and if they require extra support. The factors that need to be taken into account when assessing development are:

In order to apply theories and models of child development to support children’s development we must get to know each individual child by building a good relationship with the children through play, communication and answering to their personal needs. Observation and assessment is also key so that we know what each child is capable of and what they are working towards/could be encouraged towards. Good communication with parents is also beneficial as it helps the carer to see what the child is doing at home and to identify if there are things they do or don’t do at nursery that is different from home. It also helps to work out ways of encouraging development at home and at nursery.

| Good way of seeing where the child is with their development – do they need encouragement in a certain area?

The key to attain this solid foundation is through communicating effectively and clearly with the adults associated with the play setting. For example, it is important that parents and carers are aware of any issues that may have arisen during the session, any difficulties their child is encountering, or if their child has behaved or responded particularly well to a certain situation. Essentially, this involves being ‘updated’ on their child’s general behaviour and well-being. The importance of clear communication can be evidenced here. Being vague in ones communications can lead to problems such as misunderstanding, the child being reprimanded for something they didn’t do by parents, or by parents not grasping the full extent of the problem. Not only would this affect the support the child would receive, but many could argue that such misinterpretations or misunderstandings could result in conflict between play setting and parent.

A two year assessment is carried out between the ages of two and three. Parents/carers/guardians are provided with a short written summary of the child’s development in the prime areas. Within the progress

. Sometimes it can be useful for a second person to assess a child as observations can be very subjective. It is also useful to use a wide variety of methods of assessment. Things need to be recorded according to what is exactly happening and should not be interpreted according to the assessors point of view.

Describe development of your child’s language and cognitive skills and discuss how these might be affecting his or her interactions with you & your responses.

Since she has some mispronunciations with some words, I would continue to encourage her to speak clearly. I would continue to introduce new words and their meanings. She already listens tentatively to stories being read and already is telling the stories in her own way. This is something I would continue to encourage and begin introducing her to beginning reading skills. I would then go on to introduce writing skills to her. I also believe that the plan for her personal and social development aligns with the things that she has already been doing. I did observe her saying her first name and expressing herself appropriately to her teacher and other students. She already interacts well with her teachers and other children. She likes to take initiatives at doing things. I feel that the plans for her personal and social skills will just add to the things that she is already displaying. I think that if Camden’s teacher builds her portfolio around these developmental areas that she will be ready to go on to the next steps in her learning and development in

Meeting the child's needs: Time to talk about the day ahead ,good preparation routine to ensure no rushing

When Initially planning a parent/ carers teacher conference concerning a child’s performance in the classroom. It is essential to be prepared and show sensitivity towards parents and children. As a kindergarten teacher and mother of 1, I understand the anxiety parents feel in regards to their children and their achievements. We as educators need to address professional standard 3.7 Engage parents/carers in the educative process this can be achieved by describing a broad range of strategies for involving parents/carers in the educative process (AITSL, 2010).

To understand the whole child you have to understand the pieces which create a whole and balanced child. Development of social and emotional needs, physical needs, language learning needs, and cognitive development needs all come together cohesively to create a whole child. The best way to encourage and educate the whole child is through play because all needs for developing the whole child can be met during play. The keys to creating a whole child play environment is by incorporating age appropriate toys and materials into centers created by using development appropriate practices. The DAP’s (development appropriate practices) are created by investigating and identifying the child’s current stage of development. Once you identify where they the child is developmentally, you encourage and aide the child in learning and growing through play by using the DAP’s. Each part of the whole child’s needs must be investigated and identified before you can create a successful whole child environment. The child’s present cognitive abilities and struggles must be identified, you should know what physical abilities or struggles the child is facing, the child’s language needs must be identified, and last but definitely not least is the social and emotional needs. To

‘Working Together to Safeguard Children’ 2010, (WTtSC 2010) instructs organisations and individuals working with children on how actions such as assessments should be done in accordance with the CA1989 and ensures that professionals understand what their responsibilities and duties are. This specific documentation assisted my understanding of the format in which assessments should be conducted as well as my understanding of multi-professional work surrounding A and his needs. Following guidelines from the Assessment Framework (WTtSC p.44), I was able to establish what A’s specific developmental needs were so they can be addressed during my mentoring sessions. Areas such as his education, family and social relationships and stimulation as well a look at the wider family unit and his environment. This multi-professional meeting was in fact my initial assessment.

The quality of relationships that we as practitioners have with children and young people has a huge effect on the way in which we can work with them and help them. When children feel comfortable with us they can separate more easily from their parents, they are more likely to participate in the play and learning activities if they are secure emotionally. When children have a strong relationship they are less likely to show unwanted behaviour as we can recognise and meet their needs, children’s language may develop more quickly as they feel confident talking to us. Practitioners can plan more accurately as they understand children’s developmental needs and know their interests and what

I have always enjoyed working with these children, despite the challenges, because of the immense rewards that come with it. The greatest challenge for me is not always being able to understand their behaviour, speech, or needs. It is frustrating to want to give and do anything

Secondly, it is important to consider the strengths of naturalistic observation as a method. This was identified when the child was consistently moving and doing different activities that allowed me to understand how he communicates with other children, how he behaves and what he learns from others. In the play setting the child was able to develop his thinking and according to the Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (DOH, 2000) through social relationships, the child was encouraged to express his feelings, emotions, which was achieved by the setting creating an enjoyment environment.