1. Observing Young Children
Section 1.3
Observing Young Children

2. What is going on in this picture?

3. What is going on in this picture?

4. What is going on in this picture?

5. Why Observe Children? We learn more by observing than by reading.
Observing allows you to see personalities.

6. How to Observe Young Children
Separate fact from opinion.
Observations can be subjective or objective.
subjective
To rely on personal opinions and feelings, rather than facts, to judge an event.
objective
Something is factual, and leaves aside personal feelings and prejudices.

8. How to Observe Young Children
Observation records should include:
date
time
number of children and adults present
names and ages of all present

9. How to Observe Young Children
Choose the correct type of observation record.
Avoid interacting with the children unless necessary.
Keep observations and interpretations confidential.

10. 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

11. 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

12. How to Observe Young Children
Explain each of the following actions.
Action
Explanation
Know your purpose.
Before you begin, define the purpose of your observation. What are you supposed to observe?
Note the physical features of the setting. Who is there? What activities are going on? Record the time and place.
Identify the when, where, who, and what.
Be descriptive.
Use words and phrases to capture the moment. Give a picture of what you see.

13. How to Observe Young Children
Explain each of the following actions.
Action
Explanation
Make comparisons.
Look for similarities and differences.
Uncover the data.
Record factual information, focus on the evidence at hand.
At the end, read through your comments, make clarifications or corrections, and add any additional notes.
Review and clarify.

14. How to interpret Observations
The analysis an observer forms and expresses about what was observed is called an 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

15. 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

17. 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

18. Example Vaccine Age Given to Child Disease Protect against
How Vaccine Works
Any Side Effects?
Other ‘fun’ facts?