Assessing and Recording without the Exercise Book

Children often know more about science that we think; sometimes they just donʼt
have the skills to write down their ideas. I wrote this book because I have a strong
belief that all children, whatever their literacy levels, should be given the opportunity
to share what they know about science.
Over the years, Iʼve developed a range of alternative recording methods that allow
children to express their knowledge and learning. These have been tried and tested
in the classroom. This book outlines these methods, gently guiding the reader
through each one. I cover what each recording method looks like, the reason behind
using it, some ideas on how to incorporate it into a lesson and how to use it to
assess children. My hope is that this book will show teachers that there are ways to
record and assess science that are fun and creative and that generate enthusiasm in
the classroom. Most importantly - they donʼt involve an exercise book.
By using these methods youʼll find that children, particularly those who lack the ability
to get things down on paper, will demonstrate an amazing science understanding.
They just needed to be given the chance to express it their way! This book was written for primary Teachers but the ideas can be used in secondary schools as well.