During the fall Mi Families (“my families”) LLC incorporates apples and pumpkins and other seasonal foods and fun into our programs. Seasonal activities and holiday celebrations provide unique ways to interact with students and provide authentic observations. Last week I was asked to post about our student assessments and although different programs offer specific assessments, observations over time provide more authentic results.
When a student is engaged in a fun activity or anticipated celebration they are not feeling judged by assessors eyes on their abilities. Purposeful programming offers unique opportunities to observe students strengths and struggles during natural timing. As students play and explore and manipulate and create- one can be assured they are getting accurate accounts of student needs and talents.
All students have talents. All students have needs. By focusing on ones strengths and talents you’ll find you’re meeting individual needs and encouraging growth in areas of struggle. Adventure Academy is Mi Families program for tots to teens providing learning adventures through themed lessons. Using curriculums such as Mother Goose Time students can learn basic concepts or expand on topics for deeper knowledge.
Though multi age and stage programming students lead their own pace and are encouraged by peers, but not pressured to perform. Simple seasonal fun with pumpkins lead to younger students exploring new vocabulary and understanding concepts through sensory discoveries. Older students expand on pumpkin topics using them for related math, science and social studies lessons. As they learn observations are noted and work is saved in portfolios.
Portfolios help show progress. Portfolios show children’s knowledge growing while gaining experiences through different themes. Portfolios can note constancies in area’s of struggle, including behavioral/ health through daily notes. Portfolios may include correspondences between caregivers, teachers and other providers. Photographs as well as documented assessments may also be included in portfolios.
Portfolios are a great long term way to observe and assess students. If you are curious about specific observation and assessment options please email Christi@MiFamilies.com. If your curious about Adventure Academy or other Mi Families programs feel free to email, visit www.MiFamilies.com, or follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, etc… Feel free to ask questions and network with our Mi Families team and members!
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