Observing Children Purpose of observation

Why observing children is important. The main purpose of observing children is to enable adults to gain greater understanding of their needs. All children have unique qualities. If we are to meet children’s individual needs effectively it is essential that we recognise their differences and acknowledge that they have a right to be treated with respect.

Observing In this way, you get to know them very well, but it is still of value to you and to the children to sometimes step back and watch in an objective way what the children are doing and how they are behaving. Observing children in this manner, and recording what you observe, is a very important role of a childminder. You are observing children in your care all the time, and have the advantage of working closely with the children you care for over a long period.

The value of observations Observations are valuable because they help you to: Understand the basic needs of children: for love, food, shelter and stimulation Become sensitive and perceptive in meeting these needs, and sometimes in assisting the parents in doing so. By recording objective observations, you learn in a practical way how to become aware of these needs, and how to meet them

The value of observations Share information with parents. For example, your observation of a child who is often tired, and reluctant to take part in any energetic activity, might lead you to discuss this with the child’s parents. Understand what might provoke a child to behave in a particular way. For example, a child who is particularly fractious just before mealtimes, may not be eating enough at each meal and perhaps needs smaller more frequent meals

The Value of observations Understand normal development, so that if the pace of development of the child is outside the normal range, either advanced or delayed, you would be able to plan a special programme for the child Be alert to signs of ill health. This could be obvious, such as a sudden skin rash, or a child who vomits, or lethargy in a child who is usually active. It may be less obvious during incubation period of infectious disease, but noted change in behaviour might cause you concern

The value of observations Plan activities for the children, that are age and stage appropriate and will extend and promote learning Encourage the child’s social development. Observing the way that the children play together, it is easy to see which children are particular friends, and which ones may need help in relating to others

confidentiality As you observe and record children’s behaviour in your observations, you may well discover and identify information concerning the child or her/his family. Never record anything you would be unwilling to share with the parents. Because parents play the central role in their child’s life, they should have the opportunity to provide information or correct any mistaken facts.

Confidentiality cont:- You should never share information about the child with anyone, without first seeking the parent’s permission, unless you feel the child to be at risk

Written Record observation All observations need to have certain information recorded, such as: The initials of the child The date and time of the observation The age of the child Where the observation took place The ages, number, gender and initials of the other children involved The presence of any other adult

Example of written record observation Child’s Name: E.S. Age: 8 months Date: Time: 9.30am Location: At childminder’s home Adult/s present E’s mother & Childminder E is placed sitting on the carpet by her mother. There are some of her toys on the carpet. E picks up a rattle and shakes it with her right hand. She looks around the room, lets out a squeal and starts crawling. E crawls under the table, a toy animal is on the floor. She stretches her right hand for it, but is unable to reach it. Childminder says “Go on E, you can do it”. E squeals again, stretches out and picks up the animal. She smiles and places the animal in her month. Concerns – Safety factors now E is mobile – barriers – need for me to be Alert. Next stage – Encourage E in pulling to stand.

Book recommendations How to observe children by Sheila Riddall-Leech -Published by Heinemann Child Care and Education (Fourth Edition) by Tina Bruce & Carolyn Meggitt – Published by Hodder Arnold Fit KIDS – A practical guide to raising healthy and active children from birth to teens forward by Dr Jane Collins – Published by Dorling Child Development An illustrated guild by Carolyn Meggitt – Published by Heinemann