Documenting in early childhood programs

Documenting is early childhood programs is a process to gather and organise information that provides written or pictorial record of what has occurred. Through my 0-2 placement I encountered children’s portfolios which consisted of photographs and a variety of learning stories based on children’s play. Documenting children’s play is one of the many aspects that teachers need to fulfil in order to help for future planning in regards to each individual child in order to target the strengths, interests, needs, but also ensuring their learning is constantly being extended. Reflecting on children’s portfolio can occur with staff and between the staff and children, giving children choice I feel creates a sense of independence, and respect for the child. It is essential for the teacher to ‘explore multiple perspectives on children’s learning and projects work as a provocation and invitation to further work and exploration of a topic’ (MacNaughton & Williams 2009, p. 300).

Collating children’s original artwork and also photographs of their artwork, I feel should be collaborated into a portfolio as a way of giving sentimental value, children may one day be able to look back on their early years education and their sense of achievements. I believe its an important aspect to give to families of their child in order to show how much their child has development throughout the year. 

References:

MacNaughton, G & Williams, G 2009, Techniques for Teaching Young Children; Choices for Theory and Practice, 3^rd edn, Pearson Education Australia, NSW.