Vocabulary Assessment Idea

Yep, I'm back. I think I'm on a roll....FINALLY! So I wanted to share an idea I thought of at the beginning of the year. I do the same thing every week! What is it you ask?! Well, let me tell you. It is...a crossword puzzle spelling and vocabulary assessment!!! This idea came to me with the help and inspiration of my students. Basically, I have 10 spelling words each week that I expect my students to learn how to spell AND what the word means. I put the words on quizlet.com for the students to study. On Fridays I give them the crossword puzzle, call out the words like a regular spelling test, and the students apply the words to the definition clues. A good and free crossword puzzle maker site is: http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/CrissCrossSetupForm.asp
I hope you can use this idea as well! The pictures are below. Happy Tuesday Night!

~Amanda

Needs and Wants Quick Assessment Idea

Back in late Fall our class was learning about needs and wants.  We did several lessons on the concept, but when it came time to assess the children I was short on time.  I decided a whole class T-chart sort was in order.  This way I could assess the children without taking up too much time.  Genius I thought to myself!  Above is a picture of the sort.  I had each child draw two magnetic cards out of a basket and then take turns putting them on either side of the T-chart.  Some children drew two wants, two needs, or one of each.  They came to the chart, placed the cards under the category they thought the item belonged and then explained their thinking to me.  The entire class assessment took about 15 minutes.  I like to mix up assessment styles to better reach all of the children.  I'm not a great test taker; however, I can show and discuss what I know very well.  I think the children are the same way; therefore, assessments need to be varied to reach every learner to find out what they know.  The cards can be downloaded for free here.  Enjoy!