1. Observing Young Children

2. Knowing how to record what you observe will later give you insight into children's development Objective vs. Subjective

3. Examples of Observations Ethan is feeling selfish. He won’t let anyone play with the toys in the sandbox. He gets mad at Cody a lot. What differences do you see between these two observations? Ethan is sitting in the sandbox. He reaches out and takes a truck away from Cody. Cody grabs for the truck, but Ethan pulls it away. “It’s my turn now,” says Ethan., looking Cody straight in the eyes. Observation A Observation B

4. Subjective Observations Observation A is Subjective  Subjective means to rely on personal opinions and feelings, rather than facts, to judge an event.  Based on false assumption that the observer knows what is on the child’s mind  Can be misleading Ethan is feeling selfish. He won’t let anyone play with the toys in the sandbox. He gets mad at Cody a lot.

5. Objective Observations Observation B is Objective  Objective means something is factual, and leaves aside personal feelings and prejudices  Observer describes what is actually seen or heard  Analyzing this observation later will help determine why those actions occurred Ethan is sitting in the sandbox. He reaches out and takes a truck away from Cody. Cody grabs for the truck, but Ethan pulls it away. “It’s my turn now,” says Ethan., looking Cody straight in the eyes.

6. Types of Observation Records 1.Running Record  Record everything observed for a set period of time, such as every 15 minutes.  Used for observers who are just getting to know the child and observing social interaction 2.Anecdotal Record  Report of a child’s actions that concentrates on a specific behavior or area of development  EX: Every day for 2 weeks, the observer would record how a child behaves upon arriving at the center 3.Frequency Count  Tally of how often a certain behavior occurs. Used for trying to change an unwanted behavior.  A baseline is a count made before any steps are taken to try to change the behavior 4.Developmental Checklist  List of skills children should master or exhibit at a certain age

7. How to Act While Observing  Two different ways:  Formally  Something you set up with a child care center or family  Informally  Where you do not make yourself so obvious  Could be while you are sitting at a mall or airport watching children  Avoid making quick judgments about children  Whether observing formally or informally, you do not want to be noticed; blend into the environment.

8. How To Take Notes During an Observation  Know your purpose  Ask yourself what are you supposed to observe  Identify the when, what, who, and where  Be descriptive  Think of it as taking a picture of what you are seeing  Make comparisons  Look for similarities and differences  Uncover the data  Record as much factual information as you can  Review and clarify  Read through your comments and make clarifications if needed

9. How to Interpret Observations  Transfer notes to a final report so that it is neat and easily read. Some reports are attached to a child’s file for future references.  Interpretation: analysis an observer forms and expresses about what was observed  During observation you had to remain objective, now you can form your own ideas and express them  Confidentiality : is the protection of another person’s privacy by limiting access to personal information  You may only share the findings to the child’s parents or your child development teacher.  It is not ethical to discuss children outside of class.