Assessment should be an integrated part of regular instruction.  I will include a variety of approaches, such as scoring rubrics, anecdotal records, and student portfolios.  I will encourage students to share in the evaluation of their work, selecting and self-evaluating completed assignments to include in their portfolios. I will observe the children as they respond to the stories, paying particular attention to changes in interest, attention and enjoyment.  I will collect samples of children's written work.  I will conduct individual student conferences to verify understanding of concepts as well as to assess the ability to follow directions.  I will ask the students to discuss their most interesting activity, prompting them with questions such as What did you learn by doing this activity? Or What might you do differently if you tried this activity again? 

I have never formally taught English as a Second Language.  I do not know how to speak German but I do have the advantage of translators in my classroom in the second and third graders.  I intend to use them as partners for the kindergarteners to help with the activities when needed.  I think the subject area will be of great interest to the students.   Their abilities will be very limited and some of the activities will be above their level.   Even though some of the activities will be above their level, I feel with the help of the older students, these activities will contribute to their learning experience. 

Sample Rubric

 Excellent:  Goes beyond competency, adding creativity and insight to overall performance.  Shows initiative and takes charge of own learning.  Listens attentively to others.  Shows advanced critical thinking skills.  Written work is polished, with detailed explanations that extend into other subject areas.

Very Good:  Uses skills effectively.  Listens well during discussions, contributing thoughtful ideas and opinions.  Work is neat and accurate, showing evidence of higher-level thinking.  Does not take risks or extend ideas into other subject areas.

Good:  Shows much effort and desire to learn but is still working on mastery of skills.  Written work is accurate but shows little creativity or higher-level thinking.  Follows directions well but needs extra encouragement and time to organize work.

Needs Improvement:  Lacks organization and effort.  Student is unsure of how to use materials or uses them incorrectly.  Written work is inaccurate and shows little or no creativity.  Does not follow directions and needs additional guidance to perform general tasks.