K2D39 The purpose of careful observation

K2D39 – The purpose of careful observation and noting what children do and how they behave.

The main purposes of observations are to find out the child / children’s needs what they are interested in and what they can do. Recording information noting child / children’s responses to different situations highlighting their achievements or particular development needs. This should be ongoing assessment process involving the child / children’s parents or carer.

Different types of observation can be used.

Naturalistic - Is a way of observing a child or children doing what they would naturally do within the settings environment, looking at how they behave, interact and respond in different situations also gauging their language and socialising skills.

Structured - Is a way of observing a child or children within a small group performing a planned activity which can provide useful information and starting points for further stimulates and development. This can also be a useful tool in comparing a child or children with their peers and identifying any delayed development.

Snapshot - Is a way of observing a child or children in that moment of time, capturing a small picture of their physical development, socialising or language skills.

Longitudinal - Is a way of observing a child or children over a period of time, building a bigger picture of their development. This can be a useful tool for seeing the effects of the child or children maturing and overall picture of their development and behaviour progress.

Methods of observations:

Time Sampling

Observations of child or children are recorded at a fixed time. For example over one hour every ten minutes record what activity the child or children are performing for one minute. Time Sampling can be a useful tool in focusing on particular skills or areas of development. This will give you an overview of what they enjoy, how they interact with each other and can also highlight any concerns in their development. This can build precise data to gauge development over a longer period of time.

Event Sampling

Observations are focused on a child or children at a particular activity recording their behaviour patterns. This can be a useful tool in detecting any unwanted behaviour and how often the behaviour is repeated. This method can also build a picture of how the child or children play co-operatively with others, how they interact and communicate.

Tracking

Observations method can track what activity a child or children enjoy performing, how long they stay focused at an activity, builds a pattern of what they play with or who they interact with highlighting their language and socialising skills.

In observations there can be advantages and disadvantages to the practitioner participating or the non participation:-

Participate

Advantages

Disadvantages

Encouragement.

Confidence.

Help self esteem.

Making it fun.

Listen to them.

Praise

No independence.

Not letting the children play their way.