Method to understand the competences and the level of learning of school beginners

through a group observation

Developed by Christa Hirschfeld / Maresi Lassekunter,- in cooperation with the school research teams for promotion in the Ellenerbrokweg centre - and the Pfälzer Weg elementary school in Bremen.

Printed and publiced by the Senator for formation and science of the Hanseatic town Bremen

Observation helps at the beginning of a school-term

With the witch

“Mirola

through the

magic woods”

The success in school enrolment of every single child is fundamentally dependent on whether a bridge

from pre-school to learning at primary school is successfully built and whether the child is assisted

in his / her learning abilities.

Method of the project:

Get to know the child as early as possible and relatively

comprehensively as soon as they start primary school. Record and analyze the stage of development of the child. Suggest first lessons for the teacher. Develop speedy preventative measures to handle the problem

before it develops further. Develop good basis for conversation with parents on the

problem. Construct individual educational plan. Promote cooperation between the primary school and a

special school. Provide an overview of the need for the special educational

promotional measures and additional educational support.

Details of methods

1. The process is based on a tale about a little witch called “Mirola.”

2. Formulate small groups with max. 6 children who should run through 5 stations and finish different tasks in the stations to help “Mirola”

3. Stories should be told, songs sung, the children should dance, and altogether 19 problems should be designed which give answers to:

Physical development Visual and auditory perception Tactile perception Speech Phonological competence Pre-numeric competence Articulation Short-term memory Social and emotional behaviours of girls and boys

4. The class teacher and two assistants should make thorough observations.

5. The observation team (i.e. the class teacher and her/ his two assistants) should document on prepared observation deflect.

Examples of observation in two stations

On the station

“an animal with big eyes and ears“

Children should arrange 4 different shapes with little wood blocks

(Observations to fine motricity and perception)

On the station "crocodile“

Children throw little sandbags into a food basket of a crocodil

(Observations to laterality and linguistic competence)

A small picture gallery with Mirola

and the children