Track progress by keeping daily reports. Daily reports, which contain general information on the day, will be the same for all the students. Include descriptions of the activities that took place, the meals eaten and the lessons taught. Child-specific information to add for parents includes any special notes regarding skills, language, behavioral issues, or questions for parents. By keeping copies of daily reports, you can put together an overall progress report for each child. Educators can track developmental issues over a period of time by discerning patterns in such reports.
An authentic assessment relies not on developmental testing but on regular observation of a child's functioning and development. Authentic assessments, though time consuming, are ultimately one the the best ways to compile information about a student. Observe students at play, in centers and while performing life skill tasks. Devote a special section of a notebook for taking regular notes on each student. In-class recordings of daily activities can help teachers observe student behavior multiple times, each time with a different focus.
Beside your list of students' names, write a series of adjectives to describe each child as a learner. Then, take your word lists and observe each child and note concrete examples to display the traits you've listed for her. For example, if Sarah has "tenacious" next to her name, explain how she helped her small group problem solve during a construction project.
Don't put parents on the defensive or have them feeling concerned unnecessarily. Focus on positive traits, development and skills. Even if a child exhibits a problem area you want to draw attention to, offer parents another perspective and use positive descriptions. For instance, if a child gets caught up on small details in task completion, he might also be methodical and careful. A student who is easily distracted might also be enthusiastic or energetic.