2. Practical Observation Guide: Mastering "Beginning Knowledge" Assessment for Ages 4-6

The "Beginning Knowledge" section of your Life Skills checklist is extensive and foundational. It covers a child's understanding of themselves, their environment, and basic concepts. Here’s how you can easily integrate its assessment into your daily classroom routine for ages 4-6:

Key Areas and How to Observe:

• "Me and my new school" (1a):
  • Criteria: Knowing name, surname, age, date of birth, address, parent's number, daily routines.
  • Observation Tip: During morning circle or register, ask children to introduce themselves. Observe if they can follow the daily visual schedule. For contact details, you might observe if they can repeat it after you, or during a "pretend call" play.
  • Example Note: "During morning circle, Sipho confidently stated his full name and age without prompting."
• "My body and my senses" (1b/1c):
  • Criteria: Knowing body parts, what they do, number of each; knowing senses, what they do, number of each.
  • Observation Tip: Sing action songs (e.g., "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes"). Ask children "What do you do with your eyes?" during a story. Play "I Spy" using senses.
  • Example Note: "During 'What am I?' game, Nomusa correctly identified 4 senses and explained what her ears do."
• "Healthy living" (1e/1f):
  • Criteria: Brushing teeth, combing hair, washing hands, dressing; knowing junk vs. healthy food/water.
  • Observation Tip: Observe during bathroom breaks. During snack time, ask "Is this a healthy snack?" Display pictures of foods and ask children to sort them.
  • Example Note: "Thabo demonstrated proper handwashing technique before snack time, using soap and rinsing thoroughly."
• "Shapes and Colours" (1o/1p):
  • Criteria: Knowing basic shapes (circle, square, triangle), primary and secondary colours.
  • Observation Tip: Provide shape sorters or blocks. Ask children to identify colours on objects or in drawings. Engage them in a "colour hunt" around the classroom.
  • Example Note: "Sarah independently sorted all the blue and red blocks into separate containers during free play."

Remember: Focus on authentic moments. You don't need a formal test. A brief note on what you observed is often enough to mark off the outcome for the month!