OBSERVING YOUNG CHILDRENSection 1.3

WHAT IS GOING ON IN THIS PICTURE?

WHAT IS GOING ON IN THIS PICTURE?

WHAT IS GOING ON IN THIS PICTURE?

WHY OBSERVE CHILDREN?

We learn more by observing than by reading.

Observing allows you to see personalities.

HOW TO OBSERVE YOUNG CHILDREN Separate fact from opinion. Observations can be subjective or

objective.

objectiveSomething is factual, and leaves aside personal feelings and prejudices.

subjectiveTo rely on personal opinions and feelings, rather than facts, to judge an event.

HOW TO OBSERVE YOUNG CHILDREN Observation records should include:

date time number of children

and adults present names and ages of

all present

HOW TO OBSERVE YOUNG CHILDREN Choose the correct type of observation

record. Avoid interacting with the children

unless necessary. Keep observations

and interpretations confidential.

TYPES OF OBSERVATION RECORDS

Running Record Record of everything observed for a set period,

such as 15 minutes Useful when getting to know the child or children Good when concentrating on certain area of

development Anecdotal Record

Report of a child’s actions that concentrates on a specific behavior or area of development

Time is not limited

TYPES OF OBSERVATION RECORDS

Frequency Count Tally of how often a certain behavior occurs Useful when trying to change an unwanted

behavior Baseline is a count made before any steps are

taken to try and change behavior Developmental Checklist

List of skills children should master or exhibit at a certain age

Observers can use checklist and simply check off the skills or behaviors they see

HOW TO OBSERVE YOUNG CHILDREN

Explain each of the following actions.

Know your purpose. Before you begin, define the purpose of your observation. What are you supposed to observe?

Identify the when, where, who, and what.

Note the physical features of the setting. Who is there? What activities are going on? Record the time and place.

Be descriptive. Use words and phrases to capture the moment. Give a picture of what you see.

Action Explanation

HOW TO OBSERVE YOUNG CHILDREN

Explain each of the following actions.

Make comparisons. Look for similarities and differences.

Uncover the data. Record factual information, focus on the evidence at hand.

Review and clarify. At the end, read through your comments, make clarifications or corrections, and add any additional notes.

Action Explanation

HOW TO INTERPRET OBSERVATIONS

The analysis an observer forms and expresses about what was observed is called and interpretation

When observing and recording information you must be objective

Interpretation is when you will form and express ideas about what you saw

Confidentiality is a must (protection of another person’s privacy by limiting access to personal information) You may share your information only with the child’s

parents or your child development teacher

CAREERS WITH CHILDREN- PARENT EDUCATOR

What do you think a parent educator does?

Our society requires people to take courses or have training before they can perform many jobs Should there by similar requirements to

become a parent? What kind of parents do you think

would benefit most from the help of a parent educator

RESEARCH CHILDHOOD VACCINATIONS One of the main reasons for the decline in

childhood deaths from disease is the development of vaccines.

Select and research two vaccines Find out at what ages they are given to children Research what diseases they will protect

against How do the vaccines work? Do the vaccines have any side effects? Record findings in a chart

EXAMPLE

Vaccine Age Given to Child

Disease Protect against

How Vaccine Works

Any Side Effects?

Other ‘fun’ facts?