Anecdotal Records

I already knew the importance of taking anecdotal records. There is a lot to learn from purposeful records and it is helpful to be able to see the collections of records about a student. I also knew that it is important to write observable data, but sometimes I forget in practice.  Something new is that using address label sticky notes could make taking records. I have seen sticky notes used, but sticky notes are not very sticky. I can imagine myself using a system with the address labels. I also liked the table of abbreviations that the article gives to help facilitate anecdotal record keeping.  I am still confused about what times are good to take. I notice good times for anecdotal records in math, but in language arts, the students are usually just listening to a story being read, the teacher talk, or filling out a worksheet. Maybe it is best to think about what standards are trying to be met and to try to frame my record keeping that way.  I am thinking differently about how to manage working with the student and writing notes. It seems like a lot to handle, but I do agree that it is possible. I am thinking that it just takes practice and that over time, after developing a system, it will be easier to jot records down between working with students. I suppose, then, that it is really good to be starting now.