Observation checklist in the classroom (structured – free choice)

Sharing –

Aldo- kids were very good at sharing, and were able to work well together and communicate with one and other

Children’s center- For the most part they were very good at sharing, but there were times that they would whine and steal toys from one and other

Notre Dame- was not able to see opportunity for sharing

Listening – students posture, position

- Aldo- kids listened very well; the teacher accommodated the needs for the students who had trouble listening to having them in a designated area.

- Children’s center- same as Aldo but there was not really a designated area for the kids that were rowdy.

- Notre Dame- the kids listened very well and they were placed in desks

Aggression

- Only witnessed aggression when it came to sharing toys in the children center, but it was very mild

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Helping

- kids all helped each other.

Creativity

Obeying the rules of the classroom

Engagement

How engaging are the centers?

- Aldo/ children center the kids were engaged and enjoyed sharing their work, because they were proud

- Kids were mildly engaged, but often walked out of their desks because they wanted to explore the room, but would be asked to sit down

Asking for help from teachers/one another

Gender roles

- Children center- boys and girls both played in dramatic play and took on the roles of different genders.

Technology play

- No real sign of technology in Aldo, Children Center has two computers and Notre Dame has a smart board.

Role of play

I have been observing at many different locations, for different grades. I have been to Aldo in a Kindergarten class, and saw that it was a play based schools and the impact that it has on students. They are encouraged to use many different instruments to write with, with the main focus being that they are engaged in what they are doing. The students interact very well with one another, and take responsibility for what they are supposed to do. I noticed that the student hand out their own materials to one another, and work together. This reminds me of the importance of play, and how it allows students to work together and gain social skills. I also have been to Notre Dame academy in a 2nd grade classroom, and the atmosphere is much different than Aldo. Kids have to sit in desks, and use specific writing instruments. They have to do worksheets, and I noticed that these kids are a lot more fidgety than the kindergartners. When asked to do their work the kids kind of make a face, and you can tell that they are not enjoying themselves. At the children center, the room is divided up into centers, with different materials at the kids disposal. The kids are able to choose what they want to do, and they enjoy these activities. Having the room set up in this way, allows the kids with different learning styles to experience different ways of learning, but if they dont feel comfortable, they can do something more in their comfort zone.