Play-based assessments in early years settings

Play-based assessments in early years settings are designed to observe and assess a child's development and skills through play activities. Here's an example of a play-based assessment for a 4-year-old child:

Child's Name: [Child's Name]

Date of Assessment: [Date]

Assessment Context: This play-based assessment was conducted during a free play session in the preschool classroom's play area.

Assessment Focus: The assessment is designed to observe and assess the child's social, cognitive, and fine motor skills during play.

Assessment Activities:

1. Building with Blocks:

Provide the child with a set of building blocks.

Observe how the child:

Selects and manipulates the blocks.

Builds structures (e.g., towers, bridges).

Engages with peers (if present) during block play.

Note the child's creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interactions.

2. Dramatic Play (Pretend Kitchen):

Set up a pretend kitchen area with play food, dishes, and utensils.

Observe how the child:

Engages in imaginative play (e.g., role-playing as a chef or customer).

Uses play food to create scenarios or stories.

Demonstrates social skills when playing with peers (if applicable).

Note the child's creativity, language development, and cooperation.

3. Drawing and Colouring:

Provide the child with crayons, markers, and paper.

Observe how the child:

Selects colors and tools.

Creates artwork (e.g., drawing, coloring within the lines).

Expresses emotions or stories through art.

Note the child's fine motor skills, creativity, and self-expression.

4. Storytelling and Book Corner:

Set up a cozy book corner with age-appropriate picture books.

Encourage the child to choose a book and read or look at pictures.

Observe how the child:

Engages with books (e.g., turning pages, describing pictures).

Asks questions or makes comments about the story.

Note the child's language development, comprehension, and interest in reading.

Assessment Observations:

During block play, [Child's Name] demonstrated strong fine motor skills by carefully stacking blocks to create a tall tower. [He/She] also collaborated with a peer to build a bridge, showing social skills and teamwork.

In the pretend kitchen area, [Child's Name] engaged in imaginative play, taking on the role of a chef and preparing "meals" for others. [He/She] used descriptive language to discuss the dishes being served.

While drawing and coloring, [Child's Name] exhibited creativity by using a variety of colors and drawing a detailed picture of a house with a garden. [He/She] also shared [his/her] artwork with peers, fostering social interactions.

In the book corner, [Child's Name] selected a picture book and described the characters and events in the story. [He/She] asked questions about the illustrations and expressed excitement about reading.

Assessment Summary:

Based on the play-based assessment, [Child's Name] demonstrated age-appropriate development in fine motor skills, creativity, social interactions, and language development. [He/She] actively engaged in play activities and displayed enthusiasm for learning through play.

Teacher's Signature: _______________________

Play-based assessments offer a holistic view of a child's development and skills while allowing them to learn and explore in a natural and enjoyable way within an early years setting.