This is me, under construction!

Teachers and parents should ask themselves what is most important that children learn in preschools? They should also ask themselves what is most important to assess. And last but not least why?

Evaluation of children's learning should first and foremost support the dignity, self-confidence, independence, strength and identity of children. Evaluation of children's learning should also strengthen their faith in their own ability.

Teachers should always keep in mind that the child is talented and that efforts should be made in the preschool so that their talents can flourish in there.  

Guiding lights in the evaluation of children's learning

• Children mature differently

• Remember the individual strength and competence of children

• Children should develop a positive self-image

• The confidence of children in their own capacity should increase

• The children's interest, strengths and development should be taken into account

• Diverse integrated projects for the children

• Process orientation instead of effectiveness

• Teachers professionalism

• Learning, living and teaching context

• Different culture and diverse family types

Learning community in preschools

Learning is inherently social. The task of teachers and other staff is not to step aside and study the children, but also to actively participate in their learning.

When evaluating the learning, development and welfare of children in Iceland teachers focus on:

• development,

• independence,

• interests,

• participation in play inside and outside,

• social skills and solidarity,

• initiative and creativity,

• expression and communication.

Cooperation between child, parents and teachers

Emphasis is placed on the assessment of children's learning and well-being based on the participation and cooperation of preschool teachers, other staff, parents and children.

Children have the opportunity to participate in evaluating their learning, set goals and make recommendations on the best way to go.

Parents hold important information and knowledge of their children and should be involved in the assessment of their wellbeing and learning.

Evaluation in cooperation with teachers, parents and children, contributes to a better understanding and insight into the learning process of children, their interests and strengths.

Learning, living and teaching

In the evaluation of children's learning and welfare it is important to focus on:

• the context of education and the educational settings,

• each individual child and its personal ability to learn in a comprehensive, healthy and creative way,

• the interaction of children, play content and learning environment and the role of adults in children's learning,

• the interest and disposition of the child to study in the foreground and the contribution of the settings, skills and knowledge in the background to support the interests of the child.

Competence, knowledge and skills

Competence - All children can learn

• To promote self-awareness of children and their ability to use their strengths and interests.

• Each child is unique

• Children create their own life

• Faith in their abilities

Knowledge - We can teach all children

• Learning takes place through play and creative work

• Play is the main path of learning

• Preschool teachers create stimulating play environment

Skills - Children show that they have learned

• How do children apply the knowledge they have acquired in daily activities in the preschool?

• How do teachers promote children to have the experience in the preschool in the basic elements of education?

Ethical issues in evaluating children's learning

Teacher’s professionalism involves a moral duty to do what is in the child's best interests. The teachers view should always reflect respect for the child, its strength, ability and competence. They should choose the right time and place and bear in mind that evaluation is never neutral in the sense that the teacher chooses what items he displays a picture of and how he displays it. Children also have a right to privacy.

Documentation and learning stories should not be confidential data, they are open to all in the preschool and to parents. They are useful to debate in the preschools on the preschool activities, children's education. Also in parent cooperation and meetings.

Children's portfolios

• Teachers should collect information about children's play and learning and what they are interested in; what they know and understand.

• The information should be used to support the learning and welfare of children, the organization of preschool activities and in cooperation with parents.

• This is a process that should be integrated into the daily work of the school and include planning, registration, assessment and reflection on learning, development and well-being of children.

• The focus is on the overall assessment of well-being and progress of children rather than measurements of specific skills.