The skills for HELP 3-6 are linked to those of HELP 0-3. Therefore, the skill numbers for the 3-6 skills are based on domain (e.g., Cognitive = 1.0, Language = 2.0), and the 3-6 skill numbers start where the 0-3 skill numbers end. Thus, for Cognitive, 0-3 ends with #1.159, and the first 3-6 Cognitive skill is #1.160, etc.
The age ranges provided with HELP are based upon current literature and field research. The age ranges are approximations as to when the skill "typically" emerges. The HELP materials are not standardized in keeping with current assessment guidelines. Therefore, HELP is not a formal "test" and you do not "score" a child. You use HELP to credit a child's mastery of a skill.
The activities in the Activities at Home binder are written from the child's point-of-view, which parents enjoy and which prevents any problems with gender. Some of the Instructions below are written using the male gender to avoid redundancy and confusion. No gender bias is intended.
HELP 3-6 covers 585 skills, ages 3 to 6 years. For each skill, the Assessment Manual provides:
Skill number and text (description) which are identical across all HELP for Preschooler titles (1.160 Counts orally to 3).
Age range shown in both month-month(m), and year.month-year.month(y) formats (Strand: 1-10 Age: 28-36m 2.4-3y). For example, 36-46 months is 3-3.10 years (where 3.10 is 3 years, 10 months).
Definition: this clarifies the skill; can be adapted to serve as a basis for criteria to determine mastery.
Assessment Materials: for use in conducting the assessment. Play-based/activity observations are often recommended.
Assessment Procedure: Step-by-step methods for conducting the assessment. You are responsible for setting the criteria to determine/credit mastery (consider the Definition and Adaptations).
Adaptations: Techniques for adjusting the assessment and instruction to accommodate differences in children's abilities and experiences.
For each skill, tne Curriculum Guide provides:
Skill number and text (description) which are identical across all HELP for Preschooler titles (1.160 Counts orally to 3).
Age range shown in both month-month(m), and year.month-year.month(y) formats (Strand: 1-10 Age: 28-36m 2.4-3y). For example, 36-46 months is 3-3.10 years (where 3.10 is 3 years, 10 months).
Definition: this clarifies the skill; can be adapted to serve as a basis for criteria to determine mastery.
Instructional Materials: For use in instruction. Includes many original fun games, fingerplays, and songs.
Instructional Activities: Step-by-step methods for instruction.
The skills in HELP 3-6 follow a 'normal' developmental sequence and are applicable to all children. However, four of the strands of skills are provided for use with special needs children: 2-8 Sign Language; 2-9 Speechreading; 3-8 Swimming; 3-9 Wheelchair skills.
Age ranges are not provided for the skills on these four strands since the skills are often acquired at whatever age specific instruction is provided, depending on the individual child and environment (not so much a threshold age).
