Beth Sullivan Blog Post #2-The Habit of Kidwatching

As I read this article I could relate to so many of the points that O’Keefe made.  Early in my teaching career I also had pages and pages of anecdotal notes on all of my students.  I had lots of information on each child but the information was scattered and disorganized.  I was always afraid I would leave something important out so I wrote everything down.  It is impossible to write everything down and then keep up with everything!  I currently use a clipboard with class rosters and checklists that help me keep track of specific information that I am looking for as well as student conference notes.  I also use conferencing and assessment notebooks to keep things organized.  Now the notes that I have from observing and conferencing are organized and can be used to identify student strengths and weakness which is essential when planning instruction.  I agree with the author that record keeping is a constantly evolving process. 

I love the term kidwatching and Carolyn Burke’s idea that kidwatching is “learning to see what’s there and using that information to make a better classroom” (1991).  Kidwatching is also a very large part of assessment in a kindergarten classroom.  I found the section of this article on coaching very informative and helpful.  As I implement independent reading time with my kindergarten students I want to be sure that I am meeting the individual learning needs of each student.  I love how the author stressed that sitting, watching and listening to our students is the best way to get to know them as readers.