How do you write an observation in childcare?
Focus on what the child is doing and avoid using judgemental language. For example: good, silly, excellent (this doesn’t describe what’s happening). Be Factual – describe only what actually happened. Be Relevant – include details of direct quotes and information about the context of the observation.
What is an observation in childcare?
Observation is the key to understanding young children as learners and a vital tool in finding out more about them as individuals. Observation is about watching children’s actions, expressions, gestures and behaviours, and listening to their talk and interactions.
How do you observe a child’s development?
For an early childhood educator, observing a child begins by noting how each child behaves, learns, reacts to new situations, and interacts with others. An educator then takes this information and creates activities to promote growth on skills, document the success of those skills, and then reflect and assess.
What are some observation strategies?
Observation Techniques
- Student Assessment.
- Closed Ended Questionnaires.
- Diary/Journal.
- Supporting Documents.
- Interaction Schedules.
- Interviews.
- Learning Inventories.
- Open Ended Questionnaires.
What makes a good observation?
A good observation must be factual, accurate and sufficiently detailed. Having a tablet in the room with you can really help you capture things as they happen with accurate details rather than relying on recall at the end of the day, once the children have left the setting.
What do you learn from observing a child?
When you really see the child, you get to know her and see more of her abilities, interests, and personal characteristics. Knowing each child helps you to plan individualized and developmentally informed activities. Look at what the child does and says without evaluating or labeling.
Why is observation important in infant and toddler care?
Observation, documentation, and reflection are important skills for high-quality infant and toddler care. Developing these skills can help teachers with the following activities: Sharing observations with families.
How do you do observation in early childhood education?
Start with a specific focus. Pick an infant or toddler in your care to observe and make notes about what you see. Focus on a specific domain or goal to understand how the child interacts with peers or family, or when exploring objects. Use a checklist or other form to help you observe and track development.
What does it mean to observe a child?
This teacher’s story contains an important point; observing children also involves focus and purpose. Stetson, Jablon, and Dombro (2009) defined observation as, “watching and listening to learn about individual children.”
What is a child observation app?
Child observation app. A child observation app on a tablet or smartphone allows you to type observations, take pictures, or take short videos. These apps are often connected with child assessments. Keep in mind that you can use more than one method.