Figure B.7. Ability-based assessment activities.
SURPRISE BOX (PRESCHOOL)
Brief Description of Activity An object is placed in a large box that pertains to some topic being studied (letter of the alphabet, theme, color). The teacher gives a hint and the children respond by asking a question, such as, is it something for a snack? Is it big? Is it heavy? Is it red? Students are encouraged to ask questions and use the answers to make conclusions.
Abilities Measured
Cognitive: Recognizes alternatives, elaborates ideas, uses imagination, draws, conclusions, makes inferences
Communication: Clearly expresses ideas orally, listens with a purpose
Creative: Exhibits innovative thinking
Social/Emotional: Completes assigned task, takes turn
What Criteria or Standards Did You Use To Judge This? Criteria included looking for children's questioning ability, which begins to develop in preschool. The teacher also looks for those children who never ask a question, so that they can be drawn out. Listening skills are also observed, as well as whether students understand the concepts being taught. Anecdotal records are one way of keeping track of the students’ progress.
ADOPT A TREE (K5)
Brief Description of Activity
The classes have adopted a tree in the neighborhood. Each month they observe their tree and record information on the attached sheet. They write their name and the month, and draw themselves and the tree. Each month's sheet is saved and put together in a book. Month to
Month progress is readily evident.
Abilities Measured
Cognitive: Recognizes alternatives, elaborates ideas, uses imagination
Communication: Expresses ideas clearly in a written form (drawing and writing), uses writing tools, writes in all content areas
Creative: Develops unique projects, expresses own unique perspective using materials, uses recognized methods to produce.an original work
Social-Emotional: Initiates independent activity, completes assigned task, respects materials
Physical: Shows fine motor coordination