Favorite quote about Children

Below is my favorite quote about children that I have come across throughout my studies. 


“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”
― Margaret Mead

I find this to be extremely true, especially in today's society.  Often adults are telling children how they should feel about specific situations and not allowing them to think for themselves.  We need to show young children how to think rather then simple telling them what we feel they should.  They need to be able to figure out their emotions and interests on their own.

Testing for Intelligence

Viewing young children as a whole is essential, especially the younger children such as preschool age.  They are too young to be tested with standardized tests such as the school aged children are.  One thing that should be measured among the young child is their physical development.  Observing how the child is developing physically, such as running, grasping pencils or crayons, can be an early detection for something further.  Assessing them this way is more age appropriate then handing them a test and expecting them to understand.  Even tests that are more verbalized to them such as asking them about colors and shapes can be difficult for some.  They may not have any prior exposure and may not understand and may become uncomfortable with the topic.

In Italy, the children are assessed at the ages 6, 11, and 13.  They are also given another test before entering college.  The test the children are given at these ages are scored and kept together for teachers to review.  The 6 year olds are read the test and the answers help the teachers determine what the student’s level is upon entering school.  The students must again be tested at various ages; the final one is when they enter college.  When students get older, the tests become more standardized and are sent out to be scored.  The teachers are still the ones administering the testing. 

Assessing young children is very difficult.  The results can vary depending on the setting of the testing and the person administering the tests ability.  In my school, we administer a short test for our students.  We ask them the basics such as the shapes and colors along with letters.  They are also asked to write their name and cut on a straight line.  The test is quick and allows us to see how the students are progressing throughout the year since it is done three different times.  I have noticed throughout my year of doing this, that the students will each test differently depending on what was going on around them.  If children are playing around them, the student who is getting tested will not be paying attention because they want to play.  If the child is in a setting where it is just them and the test giver, they will give it their undivided attention and will look forward to the sticker at the end of the test.  I am not sure if this particular test allows us to see if the students are progressing or not.  I feel that by us observing them during rug time or even play, that we will be able to determine without testing how the students at this particular age group.

Reference

http://www.karmoyped.no/sail/products/Assessment%20in%20Italy.pdf