1. What is anecdotal record?
The anecdotal record is a list ofbehaviors for a particularstudent. The anecdotal record form will include
any type ofdisturbance. The record has the possibility ofsuspending a child from school
An anecdote is a story. Anecdotal records are records made from observations of a person rather than
from some sort of assessment like testing. The observer just writes down short.
It is reporting on observed behavior.
Anecdotal records are written after an event has occurred. The observer is required to use their memory
to note significant events or actions. It is for this reason that these observations be recorded within two
days of being observed to ensure accuracy of information.
Student: Christopher Jones Age: 6 years, 2 months
Observer: Wendy Jones Date: 7th July 20XX, 11:45am
Setting: Classroom
Purpose:
To observe Christopher's sentence structure with peers.
Observational question:
Does Christopher use simple sentences or more complex sentences when interacting with his peers?
Observation details:
Christopher played with the drama materials for 15 minutes, using the dress-ups and examining
himself in the mirror. He walked over to the home corner table and said to another boy, 'Hey give
me that.' He took the spoon from the other student. I spoke to Christopher and asked him to give
the spoon back to the other student. He gave the spoon back and said, 'I like choc milk and a biscuit
too!'
I asked the children to pack away. Another adult approached Christopher asking him to help pack
away. Christopher replied to the adult, 'And then can we go outside?' The adult replied 'Yes!'
Christopher shouted 'Yay' and started packing away.
Analysis:
Christopher was able to use both simple and complex sentence structure. He demonstrated
confidence in his interactions with his peers. Christopher was able to engage in appropriate 'turn
taking' during his brief conversation with an adult.

2. Assessment Strategies and Tools: Anecdotal Notes
Anecdotal notes are used to record specific observations of individual student behaviours, skills and
attitudes as they relate to the outcomes in the program of studies. Such notes provide cumulative
information on student learning and direction for further instruction. Anecdotal notes are often written
as the result of ongoing observations during the lessons but may also be written in response to a
product or performance the student has completed. They are brief, objective and focused on specific
outcomes. Notes taken during or immediately following an activity are generally the most accurate.
Anecdotal notes for a particular student can be periodically shared with that student or be shared at
the student’s request. They can also be shared with students and parents at parent–teacher–student
conferences.
The purpose of anecdotal notes is to:
 provide information regarding a student's development over a period of time
 provide ongoing records about individual instructional needs
 capture observations of significant behaviours that might otherwise be lost
 provide ongoing documentation of learning that may be shared with students, parents and
teachers.
Anecdotal Records
Significant incidents or specific, observable behaviours can be recorded by teachers in anecdotal records.These
records provide cumulative information about students'development in the learning objectives of the language arts
as well as their physical and social growth and development. By systematically collecting and analyzing anecdotal
comments, teachers can evaluate students'progress and abilities to use language and then plan appropriate
instruction.
Purposes
 to provide information about students'development over an extended period of time
 to identify the instructional needs of students
Teacher Note:
 To be useful, anecdotal records should be brief and focused.
 Anecdotalcomments may be recorded in binders with a single page for each student,in a notebookwith
each entry dated to provide a chronological record of classroom activities and students'growth and
development, or on checklists.
 Record an accurate description of the situation and comments or questions that may guide further
observations.
 Anecdotalcomments should be recorded daily and immediately after the observation.
 Anecdotalrecords should include information about students'strengths and weaknesses.
 Comments should be recorded during different times and during different activities of the day in order to
develop a complete profile of students'language abilities, interests and attitudes.
 Examine the records regularly to be sure that comments are made for each student on a variety of skills and
behaviours.
 Individual entries may or may not be shared with students orparents.