Michelle Jones

Michelle explained the assessment they use with their early childhood classes, AEPSI (Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System Interactive). This evaluates  children’s development, which includes specific descriptors and activity suggestions for improvement.  There are 8 sections; however, their district is using only 3 sections for their early childhood programs.  

Michelle has completed all the performance assignments and only has Module 12 and the final test to complete.

I discussed Michelle’s effective teaching approach with her 3-year-olds.  We also discussed the importance of oral language development, building foundational skills in phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, listening comprehension as well as school readiness skills and play.

Michelle noted that it was difficult for many of her 3-year-olds to do any writing activities; tracing lines, coloring, pencil grip, etc.  We talked about things she was doing to support them in foundational skills they will need to independently write in the future.  She is helping them to build fine motor skills (playdough, using gripping tools such as tongs and clothespins, etc.).  We also discussed having students talk about the characters in the story, what happened at the beginning, middle and end of the story.  She could draw pictures as students are retelling and labeling the drawings.

Michelle is beginning to plan for next year.  She wants to include more interactive activities, such as story props and flannel board stories.