Some learning center activities are designed for the children to work independently, while some require guidance. The independent ones allow the teacher to observe a student's behavior as he develops skills through his exploration and play. The hands-on activities give the student an opportunity to practice and apply learning, while the teacher is able to use a checklist or make anecdotal notes. When centers are set up for small-group rotations, she is able to observe several children. Observation of independent activities in the centers provide the teacher with information about individual instructional needs of the child, as well as social interaction with others.
Activities that stress emergent vocabulary development, word recognition and phonemic awareness provide the teacher with the opportunity to observe the child in an independent setting. The activities such as looking through books, listening to recordings, using individual chalkboards for writing letters and numbers, engaging in dramatic play and practicing speaking skills, help the teacher complete the observation checklist while the students are actively engaged in learning.
This activity helps promote several key areas of development. Children are practicing and developing speaking and listening skills as they share their things and ideas with their peers. Show and Tell gives the teacher an opportunity to observe the child in a non-threatening social environment. Speaking in front of a group helps develop language acquisition skills and builds articulation. The teacher can observe any problems with speech, as the child makes the presentation or she can take notice of any difficulties with focus or attention as others present.
Pre-kindergarten children need to develop physically through interactive games and activities. The observation checklist should include physical skills such as throwing a ball, walking a balance beam, jumping rope or running and skipping. These activities can be observed on the playground as children go about natural play or during organized activities in physical education classes.