We've learned a LOT about whole-class data display this year! Our principals asked us to incorporate this into our instruction more, and we were skeptical...this is KINDERGARTEN, and it seemed like this was one more "push down" that would be developmentally inappropriate. It was wonderful to be wrong! Our children LOVED seeing data displayed, and as the year went on, they took charge of how and when it happened!
The first task was to make whole class data display developmentally appropriate; something that the kids could buy into and easily understand. Bring on the cookies! I thought that kids would have fun with a "cookie monster" themed display, and we could "crunch the numbers" together. The Peeps and I decided on simple class goals that we wanted everyone to master...so letters and letter sounds came first, along with numbers to 10 and basic shapes. I created a bulletin board like this!
Throughout the year, the kids were eager to "check their cookies." As I assessed children in small groups or 1-1, they asked me to hurry up and update the cookies. Whenever the principals popped in the classroom, the kids got up to show them how we were doing. All of the kids knew what our goals were, and they knew how they were doing as far as meeting the goals.
I had worried a little that the kids would feel bad if they didn't reach a class goal. I shouldn't have! As I encouraged the class, and modeled a "we'll get there" attitude, the kids mirrored that. One day I was amazed when two boys used their reading workshop time working together to master letter sounds...because that was a class goal. The principals offered to have a cookie party for us at the end of the year, and that was a HUGE motivator for everyone to continue to reach the goals we set. As we continued to work on various skills, the kids would say, "We need to add that as a cookie!"
Shannon and I had some other ideas for data display, too!
Here's one for our Rockstars!
Whole-class data displays can be wonderful teaching and learning tools! Try using one with your students! If you use a data display like this, let us know in the comments, or tell us how yours is different! We'd love to hear your ideas!
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