Observation and intentionality are at the core for using WMELS in the

teaching cycle. Intentional observation is all about watching with a purpose

to guide the childs education. Observation that is objective is one that sees
the child where they are and not where the observer wants them to be or
thinks they should be. Its assessing without judgement which gives you the
clearest picture of where these children are developmentally and what the
next step is.
WMELS comes in then as it helps you identify where on the developmental
continuum the child is and gives you strategies to help improve and
strengthen that skill or concept. Having information about where the child is
currently then influences your activity planning. Where do you think the child
needs to go next? Why do you think this is a skill or concept that they need
strengthened? Are the current activities youre teaching at a
developmentally appropriate level for this student and your class?
All these questions and more important to ask yourself when planning an
activity. Being intentional in your teaching is key to having a successful
classroom. Objective observation supports this by showing where the
children are struggling but also showing where their strengths are and what
activities are resonating with them. Which then helps with the planning in
the next activities to introduce to them, in what areas, and at what
developmental level.
WMELS is such a helpful tool, it takes such a broad concept like early
childhood education and breaks it down into skills and concepts and then by
developmental level. While it cant cover everything it still is a great
guideline tool. Just like how where the child is currently developmentally isnt
the full picture but can be a guideline for what things you can teach them.