Let me get straight to the point – There is no one perfect assessment tool for any classroom let along a primary mathematics classroom. Whether you are doing formative or summative assessments, using a myriad of tools is the best approach to maximize student learning. Keep reading to the end for inspiration on assessment tools for your primary mathematics classroom.

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The first practice that is the most important, in my opinion, is that of observation. In primary grades, so much of student learning happens on the fly and could include a conversation had with a peer while playing a game on the carpet or in a quiet conversation held with a student at their desk. So much of what younger children are learning stems from what you see them doing, how they are showing it to the world and what they may or may not be telling about that experience.

For instance, if we want to respect where children are at, we need to slow our own pace down, take a moment to be mindful, and observe students while they are learning through work and play. Here are 3 simple ways to observe students in the primary mathematics classroom:

Watch your student like a hawk. See what they are doing. Show your students that you see them, just for who they are in that moment.

Listen to the words they choose. Don’t correct them…just yet. Jot down or record what you hear.

Interact with the students that are in your care. Ask them question that matter. You are not the interrogator. You are the guide.

In addition, when we go beyond the common practice of observation, there are so many assessments that can be done to inform and improve the teaching and learning of mathematics in the primary classroom. Following is a list to inspire you to perhaps try something new from an assessment perspective, or to get you out of an assessment rut, or even to expand your thinking as a teacher.

In other words, if an assessment practice on this list is brand new to you, then its time to do some research. Ask a colleague if they use that particular tool, reach out to me and I can perhaps steer you in the right direction, or google it. Resourcefulness is a sign of an effective and efficient teacher.

Here is the list of Assessment Tools for the Primary Mathematics Classroom:

• Numeracy Nets

• Photography of student work

• Videography of student work & thinking

• Teacher-Student interview

• Conferencing with Peer

• Conferencing with Select Adult

• Student portfolio

• Anticipation tracking sheets

• Investigation through hands-on exploration

• Investigation through technology

• Discussion (whole-group, small-group, partner)

• Brainstorm

• Teacher-created questions

• Student-created questions

• Technology (websites, applications)

• Thinking routines

• Student conversations

• Checklists (student, teacher)

• Inquiry tasks

• Number talks

• Math talks

• Number strings

• Games (hands-on, online)

• Congress discussions

• Authentic problem solving

• Peer Assessment

• Self Assessment

• Plickers

• Exit ticket

• Student work sample

• Rubric

• Display of student work

• Deconstructing student responses

• Guided math groupings

• Tests

• Quizzes

• Journals

In conclusion, I would love to know: which assessment-type if your favourite? You know, the one that you tend to go to with the majority of your lessons. Why do you think you prefer this method so much? Is that a learning-style thing or experience? Let me know in the comments below.