DOCUMENTATION of STANDARDS/OBJECTIVES:
COLOR SPLASH app
In early grades when children are learning through play and hands-on activities, we need a method of displaying the learning that is taking place in regards to standards and objectives. Visually documenting children’s learning is a tool we use to analyze the intent of children’s work, reflect on the learning and progress to inform instruction and to engage students’ in conversations and self-reflection. If the hands-on work in which children engage becomes visible, it becomes a starting point for conversations with children, families, colleagues, and administrators.
One way to draw attention to the learning in which we want to reflect upon is through the use of The Color Splash app. This app allows the focus to be on what the child is learning and accomplishing by coloring the parts of the photo in which you want to focus. A caption can be added to include the words of the child as he/she discusses the process of what is being learned or explored.
This provides an insightful glance into the learning that is taking place during hands-on learning activities.
Pictures hung at the students’ eye-level spark conversations, reflections on their learning and encourage others to recreate and expand on the process.