Help Me Tell My Story (HMTMS) is a holistic and interactive tool that is used to measure oral language development of a child. HMTMS is available to every Prekindergarten and Kindergarten child.
Students are introduced to Askî the puppet who becomes a regular member of the classroom, and children read stories about Askî and his friends;
There are four digital storybooks that can be read in:
-
English;
- French;
- Cree;
- Dene; and,
- Michif.
Students along with a teacher use the turtle puppet Askî to interact with an iPad to complete the assessment. This is done to ensure that students are fully engaged with the assessment in order to provide the best possible data.
Benefits
-
Assessments are based on students’ strengths;
- Provides assessment results to teachers and caregivers;
- Provides learning ideas and activities.
- Endorses a community-based approach;
How it works
HMTMS involves surveying people who are close to the student which links the holistic nature of the data.
Individuals who may be surveyed include:
-
their caregivers;
- teachers; and,
- Elders.
Parents, teachers and Elders receive results and information so that learning activities can take place at home and in the classroom to help promote the ongoing development of oral language in children.
Who designed the program?
Help Me Tell My Story was developed by:
-
First Nations and Métis learning experts;
- Early Childhood educators;
- Speech pathologists; and,
- The Saskatchewan Ministry of Education.
The Ministry of Education supports Help Me Tell My Story as a response to Joint Task Force recommendations.
It also aligns with the Education Sector Strategic Plan by addressing:
-
early years goals;
- family engagement;
- a holistic approach to education; and,
- culturally-relevant teaching practices.
Further Information
If you are interested in bringing Help Me Tell My Story to your school or would like more information, please contact holisticassessment@gov.sk.ca.