Preschool Assessment

Assessment or Evaluation of learning is very important both for learning and teaching. How? As a teacher of your preschooler, you will design projects or lessons on the basis of appropriate developmental and learning needs. Similarly, through assessment of and for learning, your preschooler will benefit from lessons that cater to his or her needs. 

How to assess your preschooler? You do not want to make it formal like a test but use informal strategies that assess while your preschooler has fun. For preschool Assessment, I target a few specific/core areas based on the "Multiple Intelligences" (MI)

Here is my diagram that demonstrates easy assessment methods based on the MI:

   © Everything Family Guide

Logical(Mathematical) - I look for patterns and numbers in everything and then have my preschooler relay the information back to me. For example, while reading a story read page numbers, count the number of funny pictures, look for repitition in the story such as repeating words or sounds, etc.

Visual(Spatial) - look for and at visual clues in the work that you do. Use manipulatives like puzzles, pictures, graphs, stickers, etc. for spatial development. For assessment, ask your preschooler questions when looking at pictures (still & moving) and ask for more details. Ask him or her to draw a picture after each activity that details what you did or an event.

Linguistic(Literacy) - explain everything using descriptive words (Be a role model when talking, doing or seeing.) When your preschooler uses a simple word, ask him for more details. For example, if he asks you for his 'car' then ask him about it's color, shape, make/model, etc.

Musical(Auditory) - when you are doing a listening activity like audio books or videos then have your preschooler describe the sounds: "what kinds of sounds do you hear? Loud, Chirp!, High, Soft, etc." If you are playing in the park or at home, take sound breaks where you stop everything you are doing and listen/talk about sounds you hear. Listen for patterns in a story or beats in a song.

Interpersonal(People Smart) - play social games like "Charades" or "Guess my Emotions!". Act out role play scenarios to help your preschooler learn about the ways of behaving around and understanding people.  Ask lots of 5W & H questions about everything you do to build his/her comprehension.

Naturalist - apply lesson objectives from learning activities to real life scenarios. Compare and Contrast how things might play out in real life. For example, in a story about a puppy that gets lost you might ask your preschooler about how he/she feels if something they love got lost. 

Bodily/Kinesthetic - turn everything you do into a moving activity. For example, if you are learning the alphabet then have your preschooler make the alphabet in sand, with play dough, by drawing/painting the letter, etc.  If you are reading a book about fall, then take a fall walk in the park and collect twigs and leaves. Don't forget to take 5 minute "Brain Breaks" (aka physical activity).

Intrapersonal(Self Smart) - teach and learn about self, community, and culture. Reflect your beliefs and ways of doing things when teaching a new concept. Talk about acceptable and unacceptable boundaries. Talk about positive body image and feelings. Test your preschooler's knowledge by asking him or her about how they might act or react during certain situations.

Overall, this is just a general idea for assessment. I would love to hear some of your tips and/or suggestions.

Annie