Toddlers learn at such a fast pace that it can be hard to keep up. One day their written name looks like scribbles. The next day they can write their name in near-perfect penmanship. The best way to keep track of their progress is to document it.
Through documenting, teachers and parents will be able to visually see what the child has learned over time. Read on to discover what kind of documentation could meet your classroom needs.
1. The 3D Picture Book
Turn your bulletin board into 3D books that showcase each child's work. At this elementary school, the teacher took board paper and stapled it as a backdrop before adding each child's work. This would be a great way to showcase a center-based program for a particular unit learned.
Learn more: Gabrielle Copertino
2. Learning Memory Jar
One of the best ways to engrain the continuous process of learning into a child's mind is to reflect on previous experiences. Kids can make a colorful picture of their favorite memory before posting it on the wall. Teachers will enjoy seeing what stood out to each child.
Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers
3. Showcase Development Through Photographs
While we may never be able to capture the complete picture of what children are learning, we can certainly snap photos of it. Take pictures of kids in action as they complete small projects. Then post the photos throughout the classroom so students can reflect on their fun memories.
Learn more: Penn State Extension
4. Video Each Major Project
Perhaps you'd like something more in-depth than a photo. If that's the case, try a video clip! A long feed video can take up lots of space, so this resource provides tips on how to manage these. Parents will love receiving short videos of what their kids are working on.
Learn more: Pics.io
5. Simple Manilla Folder
This would be a very easy way to organize each child's day during nap time. Just drop what each individual student has done for the day in their folder. Send home to families at the end of each week. It's an easy documentation style that requires zero prep.
Learn more: Region Inspired Teacher
6. Digital Classroom Photo Albums
Bring your documentation panel to your phone! Parents will love that they can see what their child is doing with the click of a button. Technology is helping make documentation instruments easier than ever! Sort by week, unit, or subject.
Learn more: Get Home Room
7. The Giant Journal
This giant journal is best viewed on the floor. Use some curriculum planning time to figure out how many pages each student should have based on the units you plan to cover. Then kids can decide how they want to fill each page based on their learning experiences on that topic.
Learn more: Tishy Lishy
8. Binder Book
Similar to the giant journal, but this idea allows kids to physically take each page in and out. By using this method of visible documentation, students can bring individual pages home to show their parents the stages of completion as the year progresses.
Learn more: Tishy Lishy
9. Bulletin Board Poster
I like this display of documentation because the whole class can see it. Individual children can make their own, or it can be done in groups as an entire classroom activity. Showcase what students have learned through pictures and text.
Learn more: NAEYC.org
10. Monthly Progress Reports
Here is a great way to complete individual observations. While this example is for a first-grade student, it can easily be applied to younger levels. Every childhood program should have some kind of formal documentation like this one.
Learn more: Etsy
11. Documentation Wall
I saw these examples of documentation during a professional development day and thought it was a nice way to fill up wall space while accurately documenting classroom experiences. Teachers provide the text and students display their work.
Learn more: Darla Myers Class
12. Learning Stories
A learning story is a new idea that has a strong focus on documentation. Teachers have individual conversations with their students as they work through the learning process for that topic. I especially like that a blank page is given for students to bring home and share with their families. Teachers can keep these responses for documentation at parent meetings.
Learn more: Smore
13. Castle Documentation
This idea was for a unit on the history of castles, but it could be applied to other units. For example, a unit on color wheels or color theories could use this castle formation with a different color on each side. All components of documentation can be placed in the designated folded area.
Learn more: Mrs. Myers Kindergarten
14. Subject-Based Assessment Documentation
Assessments are a classic element of documentation. It is so easy to see the student's learning over time with the date written along to the top and scores at the bottom. With more classroom practice, students can be proud when they get all 26 letters!
Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers
15. Data Collection Forms
This is similar to idea 14 but slightly easier for the teacher to manage as all students are on one sheet. Although this documentation practice cannot be shared with parents because other students' information is on it, this private documentation of children can be very helpful for the teacher.
Learn more: Teachers Pay Teachers
16. Draw As You Go
This video shows how students begin a unit by drawing their beliefs about the topic, drawing pictures as they discover something new, and then reflecting back on the unit with a final drawing. This unique documentation of the process reveals how the brain develops throughout the learning experience.
Learn more: CECE Early Childhood Videos at Eastern CT State U
17. Spiral Notebook Documentation
The spiral notebook is a great end-of-the-year project idea to show how a toddler's formation of ideas has evolved over time. Just be sure it's part of your classroom budget. This idea can also be carried over to the first-grade classroom.
Learn more: Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority
18. Window Documentation
If you are lacking wall space or don't have a bulletin board in your room, use the window instead! This kind of documentation functions like the other poster and board ideas, it's just attached to blinds. Change up the photos based on the unit for parents to see what you're doing during drop-off time.
Learn more: Backup Centers
19. Folded Poster Board
A stand-alone folded poster board is simple yet effective. Each bit of text you see highlights what that particular student learned when exploring snails. It's a great idea of blending individual documentation and whole class learning into one.
Learn more: Technology Rich Inquiry Based Research
20. Child Observation App- KidCoach
The KidCoach app provides question prompts to help you connect with children. Preschoolers will have genuine conversations that make the adult feel closer to the child. Document responses in the app to track your child's communication skills.
Learn more: Apple App Store
21. Child Observation App- Kinedu
Kinedu is designed for kids under four. After asking simple questions, the app is personalized based on the student's learning level. It's a great way to challenge children and also track their progress in the app for meaningful learning documentation.
Learn more: Educational App Store
22. Document Via Email Templates
Thinking about making a classroom newsletter that doubles as childhood documentation? This website can help you make professional email templates that parents can save. Learning styles are turning digital, so why not make your model for documentation digital too?
Learn more: 99 Designs
23. Rabbit Road
When it comes time for classroom planning, add this road to your list of things to do. Each child can have their own road, or each student can contribute to the road. Either way, this is a great display of documentation of travels throughout a unit.
Learn more: My Classroom Transformation
32 Easter Activities and Ideas for Preschool