Summative assessments are more than end-point reflections—they’re storytelling tools that honour each child’s journey. They help educators celebrate growth, identify emerging skills, and co-plan intentional next steps. This guide is designed for quick glances during documentation, team huddles, or family meetings, keeping your language strengths-based, specific, and emotionally resonant.
Use it to:
- Anchor your observations in EYLF outcomes
- Spark rich conversations with families and colleagues
- Guide intentional planning that supports each child’s unique trajectory
Structure Guide
| Section | What to Include | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Intro | Name, age, room, attendance pattern | "Ava, age 3, attends the Koala Room 4 days/week." |
| Learning Overview | EYLF-aligned highlights across domains | "Ava explores patterns and rhythm through music and movement, showing curiosity and joy." |
| Strengths | What the child excels at | "Ava initiates imaginative play and confidently shares her ideas with peers." |
| Emerging Skills | Areas still developing | "She is learning to manage frustration during turn-taking games." |
| Next Steps | Intentional planning ideas | "Introduce visual turn-taking cues and co-create group play rules with Ava." |
Prompt Starters
Use these to frame observations with warmth and clarity:
- “[Child’s name] demonstrates curiosity when…”
- “Shows persistence by…”
- “Engages in cooperative play through…”
- “Expresses ideas clearly during…”
- “Is developing confidence in…”
- “Responds positively to…”
- “Is beginning to explore…”
- “Enjoys leading others in…”
EYLF Outcome Snapshots
| Outcome | Example Indicators |
|---|---|
| Identity | Initiates play, expresses preferences, shows pride in achievements |
| Community | Collaborates in group tasks, shows empathy, contributes to shared routines |
| Well-being | Manages emotions, shows resilience, engages in physical activity with confidence |
| Learning | Explores, experiments, problem-solves, shows curiosity and focus |
| Communication | Uses language to connect, expresses ideas, engages with texts and symbols |
Age-Specific Examples
Infants (0–2 years)
- “Luca shows persistence by reaching for a toy repeatedly during tummy time.”
- “Is developing confidence in exploring new textures during sensory play.”
- “Demonstrates curiosity when watching peers during group singing.”
Toddlers (2–3 years)
- “Maya engages in cooperative play through shared block building.”
- “Expresses ideas clearly during pretend cooking with peers.”
- “Is beginning to manage transitions with visual cues.”
Preschoolers (3–5 years)
- “Eli demonstrates curiosity when investigating shadows outdoors.”
- “Shows resilience by trying again after a tower falls.”
- “Uses language to connect during group storytelling.”
Writing Tips
- Use strengths-based language: Focus on what the child can do
- Be specific and family-friendly: Avoid jargon, use clear examples
- Include observed moments: Anchor statements in real interactions
- Keep it concise and meaningful: Aim for clarity over length
How to Use This Card
- Keep a printed copy in your planning folder or documentation station
- Use during team huddles to align language and goals
- Share with families to co-reflect and co-plan
- Adapt for digital portfolios or summative templates
Further Reading
Summative Assessments In Early Childhood
Guide To Writing Summative Assessments
Summative Assessment Cheat Sheet For Educators
Assessments In Early Childhood Education
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