One thing I did not realize about anecdotal notes is that we didn't want to put our thoughts into the observations- that what we wrote down should be ONLY what we observe and nothing else. It makes sense, when you think about it however.

I knew that it wouldn't be a good idea to use the word "can't" - maybe not the exact word, but the idea that you want to avoid making parents feel like you're saying their child is not capable of performing. I also knew about using successes and needs instead of words like "deficient". Again, it goes back to the basic idea that you don't want to make the parents feel as if you're attacking their child or saying they are not able to perform in a particular way.

Something new I learned came from Amy- she mentioned using sticky notes to write down little observations here and there so you wouldn't be carrying around a stack of 27/28 papers and constantly writing in them. I was wondering how you would be able to remember all of your observations, since I was NOT about to carry around a stack of paper and be flipping through it all the time. I also feel that returning to my desk all the time to write down observations wouldn't be productive either.

Overall, I think that anecdotal records are a great way to compile information you might otherwise overlook or forget about. I never thought about doing it as an intern, but I think that it is a great way to get to know your students in a different way, so I may try it at school next time I'm there.