{"id":31095,"date":"2023-12-14T05:18:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-14T05:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/?p=31095"},"modified":"2024-04-15T02:36:43","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T02:36:43","slug":"preschool-documentation-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachingexpertise.com\/preschool\/preschool-documentation-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"Preschool Documentation Ideas: Projects, Applications, Templates, And More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. The 3D Picture Book <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Transform your classroom bulletin board into a dazzling 3D picture book that your kids will love to gaze at. Task them with filling bulletin board paper with images that showcase how they felt before and after exploring a certain topic. Once complete, use tacks to stack each of their pages together before attaching it to your bulletin board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: Love to Know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Learning Memory Jar <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"ofLicFCRwYOWdoSc6BQL\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Showcase Development Through Photographs <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"ErQ7o67qTYunl0IMiBIH\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: Penn State Extension<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Video Each Major Project <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"7ccYmTXOSdmpJtILWHse\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: Pics.io<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Simple Manilla Folder <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"U9IelfobQUqd4ZHNXtso\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: Region Inspired Teacher<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Digital Classroom Photo Albums <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"680uKsFJTCaLBceGLeQj\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: Get Home Room<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. The Giant Journal <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"VaHEOWqcQXeMTrRysqqp\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: Tishy Lishy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Binder Book <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"cJhD28L7Qzajw23IXA1R\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: Tishy Lishy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Bulletin Board Poster <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"boy-hang-out-with-his-friends-and-laughing-picture-id1149483847?k=20&m=1149483847&s=612x612&w=0&h=52SxcALChYpU1zIkULalDl3fN6S59HE48is2F4UOhF4=\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: NAEYC.org<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Monthly Progress Reports <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"koQi6XccSo28mTGkTOgw\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: Etsy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Documentation Wall<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: Darla Myers Class<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Learning Stories <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Ub9xxzIrQtKmrxwElE5s\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: Smore<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Castle Documentation <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"KmWDVI1QR3SAM0ld5DtB\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: Mrs. Myers Kindergarten<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Subject-Based Assessment Documentation <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"hVX8p1rwT3SSvd7mdQdz\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Data Collection Forms <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"business-intelligence-dashboard-abstract-concept-vector-illustration-vector-id1336476417?k=20&m=1336476417&s=612x612&w=0&h=KDL0G5f-elNjx8XLmT8TEeZxKA5EwLEsmj6gQh0SAxU=\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Draw As You Go <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n