1 Aims: To consider methods of evaluating child observations Objectives: Recap on methods of child observation Observe children,using videos Evaluate the observed development Consult textbooks on development Relate text book ideal to actual children

2 Child Observations Target Child Free description or narrative Longitudinal observations Recording activities in code format Free flowing report Series of observations over a period of time, often years

3 Child Obs cont’d Free description e.g Time Sampling Event Sampling Pre-set format Observation at regular intervals noting what child(ren) say or do Recording frequency that behaviour occurs Tick box, filling a form formal tests

4 Using Child Observations Curriculum plans Activities for individual children's needs Social & emotional Language & communication Intellectual & cognitive Physical abilities Need for change Evaluate outcomes Individualised programme Parents Colleagues Professionals

5 Using Child Observations for study Child centred Puts theory into context Aids a holistic view of children Assists understanding how different aspects of development are interconnected Identified child’s developmental progress View of children as part of a family & culture (ecological) Raise awareness of own & others perceptions

6 Categories for Analysing Development SocialSocial – Following the rules of the society we live in, cultural and religious practices, behaviour Physical MotorPhysical – Growth and acquisition of skills. Fine Motor –small movements, Gross motor – large movements Language & communicationLanguage & communication – Spoken and written word, body language, literacy IntellectualIntellectual – memory and understanding, maths and science CreativeCreative – Artistic side EmotionalEmotional – dealing with feelings, self awareness and self esteem, behaviour

7 Analysing Child Observations Consider: The development of the child compared to expectations Recommendations for changes in practice Opportunities to share ‘best practice’ Methods of adjusting unwanted behaviour Usefulness of the type of observation

8 Consider: The development of the child compared to expectations Recommendations for changes in practice Opportunities to share ‘best practice’ Methods of adjusting unwanted behaviour Usefulness of the type of observation Child Observations Target Child Running record or narrative Longitudinal observations Free description e.g Time Sampling Precoded e.g. Target Child Event Sampling Pre-set format ─Recording activities in code format ─Free flowing report ─Series of observations over a period of time, often years ─Observation at regular intervals noting what child(ren) say or do ─Recording frequency that behaviour occurs ─Tick box, filling a form/formal tests Social & emotional Language & communication Intellectual & cognitive Physical abilities Curriculum plans Activities for individual children's needs Need for change Evaluate outcomes Individualised programme Parents Colleagues Professionals Child Observations as a study tool  Child centred  Puts theory into context  Aids a holistic view of children  Assists understanding how different aspects of development are interconnected  Identified child’s developmental progress  View of children as part of a family & culture (ecological)  Raise awareness of own & others perceptions Categories to record development against Social Social – Following the rules of the society we live in, cultural and religious practices, behaviour PhysicalMotor Physical – Growth and acquisition of skills. Fine Motor –small movements, Gross motor – large movements Language & communication Language & communication – Spoken and written word, body language, literacy Intellectual Intellectual – memory and understanding, maths and science Creative Creative – Artistic side, imagination, thinking, problem solving Emotional Emotional – dealing with feelings, self awareness and self esteem, behaviour