Documentation What is the purpose Compiled by: Debra S. Honegger, Instructional Coach Pictures from Pre-K and K Classrooms Union Public Schools, Tulsa, OK

What is Documentation? 0 The process of gathering evidence and artifacts of what happens in the classroom. 0 The process of gathering, the physical collection of evidence AND the reflection on and analysis of the collection 0 Documentation begins with observation.

WHY document children’s learning? 0 It makes children’s learning visible to the children, to the teachers and to others adults entering the room

Demonstrates the process of the students’ learning.

Provides us with a visible representation of learning over time.

Is a deep exploration tool to examine the multiple layers of a child’s learning

Gives value to the children’s learning and words. Often times children’s “voices” are heard through their drawings, their imaginative play or their three-dimensional structures in construction. Documentation allows us to value the learning through listening to the unspoken words.

Provides insights into next steps for children during our on-going reflection

Documentation - Taking the time to watch, listen and document the learning seeds – the potential- of each individual child.