Laboratory assignment
TECA 1356 practicum I – page 7
CDEC 1356 Emergent Literacy for Early Childhood
ALTERNATE Program Observation-Practicum Level 1 Laboratory Assignment
Student's Name Phone Date
Checklist – View the videotapes assigned to each subject area: 1) group time; 2) transitions; 3) the print rich environment; 4)listening skills; 5) pre-writing skills; and 6) the library center or pre-reading skills in order to write descriptive observations.
Paper – Complete the assignment per directions written on the assignment sheet and those provided by your instructor. After completion of the lab assignment, write a minimum one-page summary. The summary must include:
Reactions to what you observed in the videos
Comparisons of information obtained from your textbook, other readings and in class discussions to the lab assignment checklist. (How are they alike? How are they different?)
1.Observe both of the Circle Time Videos (large group meetings) provided. Mrs. Cat’s Circle Time (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yllSkifLgsk) and the Oakhill Day School Toddler Time (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHJ99jFUe9c&t=68s). Check the methods that are being used by the teachers to encourage language development. Describe how the teacher used each method you check.
| Instructional Strategy |
Identify the teacher using the strategy | Descriptive Comments and Reactions (What did the teacher say and do? How did the children respond?) |
| A story was read | ||
| Open-ended questions were asked (how, what, if…) | ||
| Children participated in a conversation or a discussion | ||
| Music and movements were used | ||
| Finger play was taught or practiced | ||
| Poetry was used | ||
| Flannel board activity was used | ||
| Pictures were used | ||
| Puppets were used |
2. Describe a transitional activity that you observed in either one of the classes. What did the teacher do to signal a transition? How did she facilitate the change in activity? What was the children’s reaction?
3. It is important that children understand the important of print, so a “print rich” environment is important. Check the things you see which show the functional uses of print in Mr. Alba’s Classroom (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZTV6ivW7Y8&t=810s). Give a brief description of each item checked. You may have to view the video more than once or stop periodically as you are watching in order to record what you see.
| Uses of print |
| Description (Where do you see it? How is it used?) |
| Names on artwork | ||
| Dictated chart stories | ||
| Dictated individual stories | ||
| Labels on items in the classroom | ||
| Lists | ||
| Posters | ||
| Signs | ||
| Books | ||
| Notes to parents | ||
| Teacher’s records |
Observed4.Listening skills are important for pre-reading. Check the materials you see which encourage listening in the Danielson Framework classroom observation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNgTBtTz_Qo&t=643s). How was each item used by the teacher? If the item was not used while you were viewing please mark it as N/O or not observed.
| Listening opportunities |
| Descriptive Comments and Reactions |
| Reading stories | ||
| Poems | ||
| Headphone, cassettes, CD’s | ||
| Instructions given (get your coat) | ||
| Finger plays | ||
| Songs | ||
| Conversation with adults | ||
| Conversation with children | ||
| Teacher modeling listening |
5.View the “Elementary Helper” video/the Pre-K Classroom Tour-Quiet Centers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zRs4CaWnWU&t=49s ).Check the materials available that develop pre-writing skills. Describe how the children might use the materials observed.
| Materials |
| Descriptive Comments and Reactions |
| Scissors | ||
| Pen, pencils, crayons, markers, chalk | ||
| Hole punch, staplers, or scissors | ||
| Books | ||
| Envelopes | ||
| Different kinds of paper | ||
| Games | ||
| Play dough | ||
| Lacing cards | ||
| Letters | ||
| Other materials |
6. The purpose of having a library or reading area in the preschool classroom is to promote early literacy skills, teach good reading habits, and foster a love and appreciation for books. View the “Elementary Helper” video/the Pre-K Classroom Tour again (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zRs4CaWnWU&t=49s ) and then answer the following questions.
| Questions |
| Descriptive Comments and Reactions |
| Where is the library center located? | ||
| How is the center space made to feel comfortable and inviting? | ||
| How does the center try to provide a way to control noise? | ||
| How are the books displayed? | ||
| How are the books categorized? | ||
| How are the books organized and stored? | ||
| What types of books are included? | ||
| How are children encouraged or taught to respect books and handle them appropriately? |
Adapted April, 2020
