Early Language & Literacy KnowledgeBase

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The Early Language and Literacy KnowledgeBase is an online resource supporting language and literacy development in early learners from birth through age eight. Its focus is to support parents and caregivers in helping early learners with their language and literacy development, and teachers in enhancing their instruction for early learners from pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3.

Task 1: Gather Observational Data

Guideline: Observing the early learner's interaction within the learning environment and with other children, caregivers, parents, and teachers provides useful information for assessing the child’s development and learning. Educators of early learners need to know how to observe young students as well as how to use the observational data as part of the assessment process. This task provides resources for doing so.

resources

PRACTICAL TIPS

Using What You Learn from Observation

This link to the Head Start website provides a Head Start Bulletin article describing observation as a form of assessment. The article describes how to assess a child's learning through ongoing observation.

REFERENCES

Assessment in the Early Childhood Classroom

This link to the Utah Education Network (UEN) website provides an overview of assessment in the early childhood classroom. Though intended for Utah teachers, educators of early learning in other states may find its content useful. As noted at its website, "UEN connects all Utah school districts, schools, and higher education institutions to a robust network and quality educational resources."

Early Childhood Assessment for Children From Birth to Age 8

This document prepared by Pennsylvania's Early Learning Standards Task Force provide guidance to early childhood programs and school districts for the alignment of assessment and curriculum to the Pennsylvania standards for learning for children birth to age 8. Though intended for Pennsylvania educators of early learners, its general content may be useful to educators of early learners in other states. As noted in the report's introduction, "the focus of this report's guidelines is on the process of assessment for the purpose of informing teaching."

Early Learning Observation Rating Scale

This link to the Get Ready to Read website provides information about the Early Learning Observation Reading Scale. As noted at the website, "The purpose of the Early Learning Observation Rating Scale (ELORS) is to help teachers and parents gather and share information about young children with specific attention to characteristics that might be early signs of learning disabilities."

Observation: The Primary Tool in Assessment

This article from the Child Care Information Exchange reviews the role observation plays as a tool in the assessment and instruction of early learners.

PRESENTATIONS

National Association for the Education of Young Children

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the world's largest organization working on behalf of young children.