8 Fun Ideas for Data Collection
As Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, we know it’s important to collect data to track student progress. I always try to make data collection as fun and painless as possible, in order to keep my little kiddos engaged and on task. Many of my students are working on following directions and I’ve been collecting a lot of data using my Farm Animals Listening Strips. Here are some of my favorite ideas that’ll work with any resource or target:
1. Magnet Chips
Magnet chips are awesome because the student gets to place them on the correct picture, and after they completes the task, they can pick them all up with the “magic” wand! When I introduce the magic wand, I start by picking up ALL the magnet chips with my wand and then the kids are totally hooked! I hold the wand and give them one chip at a time. When they get 10 (or 5 depending on the kiddo), they earn the wand and can pick them all up!
2. Pom Poms and Tweezers
I love this idea because it works on fine motor skills as well as listening. Students pick up pom poms with the jumbo tweezers and place them on top of the correct target. Sometimes I use special glitter pom poms or preferred colors for my students who need a little extra motivation. If you don’t have jumbo kid tweezers, I’ve also used bag clips (pictured in yellow). These are a easy substitute that still allow for fine motor practice.
3. Big Pointer
The big pointer is very motivating for my little kiddos. All they are doing is pointing, but you can make a big deal about them being BIG kids and being able to use the BIG pointer. I got this one from Lakeshore Learning. Just be careful they don’t whack you in the head with the big pointer by accident, because that happened to me once.
4. Dot Markers
An oldie but a goodie. Dot markers are a classic for a reason. Kids love them, they allow you to offer choices, and they are easy to carry around. You can use dot markers on lamination or a page protector and they will wipe right off.
5. Ink Pad
To be honest, I break out the ink pad when the kids get tired of the dot markers. It is a little messier, and I highly recommend you have some wipes on hand for those fingers. But the kids love using an ink pad because it’s unique, they can use their hands, and they can pick their own colors. Similar to the dot markers, you can use on lamination or page protectors and wipe it right off. This one is by Melissa & Doug, and I got it off Amazon. I did not realize it is the size of a folder but it’s very light and thin so easy to put in my bag.
6. Play-doh
In my opinion, if it is in a page protector or laminated, it can be used as a smash mat for play-doh. I roll up little balls of play-doh and the child pushes it into the paper with their finger or palm. I’ve found this to be extremely effective not only with preschoolers, but also elementary kids who don’t have the chance play with play-doh as often.
7. Lego Blocks
I keep a pencil case full of little Legos in my bag because they are motivating for so many kids. With a following directions activity, they put one Lego on the picture to follow the direction. You can keep it simple: Show me the cow (and they put the Lego on the cow) or you can use the Legos to your advantage and say: Put the skinny Lego on the pig. Either way, once the student has done 10 trials, they can build something with the Legos! The reinforcer is built right in. This is a great way to get many trials because students want to work for more Legos to add to their creations.
8.Mini Objects
Mini erasers, mini dinosaurs or animals, and pennies all work great for this. The idea is similar to the Legos, in that they use the mini object to mark their answer on the paper. I find mini erasers from Target dollar spot and 5 Below. You can add elements to the direction, or just use them for fun. Sometimes I put the mini objects into a small sensory bin to make it even more exciting!
So there you have it! My favorite ideas for Teachers of the Deaf and SLPs for data collection. Want to try out some of these ideas? Grab my FREE Valentine’s Listening Strips by joining my email list.
You can get the Farm Animals Listening Strips here.
Thanks for reading!
Have a great day,
