Sara Malone - Sept. Blog Post #2 - The Habit of Kidwatching

The concept of Kidwatching may have a proper title, however, if you are a teacher and you want to know how to better serve your students, then chances are, you’re already doing it! Carolyn Burke clarified and extended the idea by describing Kidwatching as, learning to see what’s there and using that information to make a better classroom. And having a “better classroom” is a goal we all want and desire.

            Kidwatching can be such a valuable tool to teachers who are ready to take a step away from such routine and trivial assessments that may not always be an accurate reflection of student progress. I appreciate how the author notes that, “Your own insightful comments are so much more valid than simply recording scores and letter grades and will assist you in making more meaningful evaluations, in creating instructional invitations, and in reporting progress.” Kidwatching provides the teacher with examples of authentic learning. You are pausing to see and glean from the student, genuine and true learning. You are seeing their methods, their techniques and even their frustrations. All of these are portals into what’s going on in their brains. Getting to know a student in as many contexts as possible – that’s so key!

            Kidwatching is also giving a voice to those who may be silent. How many times do we assess a student and we are confused or lost about their results? We wished we knew how those results came to be. Giving a voice to the learner is allowing them to put in their own words, what is possibly a concern, a frustration or maybe even a goal. It’s allowing them to have some ownership and a piece of the action.

            I specifically liked how it’s also allowing them to have a literal “voice” in the process. I love the idea of tape recording students reading. What a perfect way to allow that student to have immediate reflection about their ability and how to strengthen it in a specific way!