Observation is a key to learning about Child Development because it is in observed behavior that we can see evidence of developmental domains and milestones. To be effective, observations must be written in detailed, objective language and this takes time and practice. You will do 3 observations of 3 different children: infant, toddler, and preschooler. For this assignment, you will write a full Observation Interpretation Paper based on your observation of a preschooler, age 3-5.
The main purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate your skill in documenting observed behavior using detailed, objective language, and to interpret specific behaviors using developmental domains milestones as well as developmental concepts and terms.
For this assignment, you will submit: Observation Interpretation Paper
Observation Interpretation Paper
"Child observation, documentation, and other forms of assessment are central to the practice of all early childhood professionals. It is important for Early Childhood Educators to know about and understand the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment. It's important to know about and use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies in a responsible way, in partnership with families and other professionals, to positively influence the development of every child.
Although definitions vary, in [the NAEYC ] standards the term "assessment" includes all methods through which early childhood professionals gain understanding of children's development and learning. Ongoing, systematic observations and other informal and formal assessments are essential in order for candidates to appreciate children's unique qualities, to develop appropriate goals, and to plan, implement, and evaluate effective curriculum. Although assessment may take many forms, early childhood candidates demonstrate its central role by embedding assessment- related activities in curriculum and in daily routines, so that assessment becomes a habitual part of professional life" (NAEYC Professional Preparation Standards 2010).
Assignment Directions:
In this assignment, you will do a formal observation of one child (3-5 years old). During the observation you will take detailed notes of what the child does and says and how the child interacts with materials and other people in the environment. Based on those notes, you will write each section of the Observation Interpretation Paper: General Description, Observation Narrative (without interpretation, Observation Analysis (with interpretation), Contextual Factors, Recommendations, and Reflection. Please be sure to carefully read the directions for each section of the paper before you begin.
Observation Parameters
For your observation, please observe:
One child aged 3-5 years
In a naturalistic setting or a licensed early childhood program
For one hour or longer
Provide caregivers with an observation request letter and sign-in that you will submit to your instructor
Observation Guidelines: What to do, and how to take notes during the observation
Please do not bring attention to yourself or interfere in the class or child's normal activities.
Write down what the child says and does during the observation. Put the child's exact words in quotation marks and try to include conversations the child has with other children or adults.
Be sure to look carefully at the child's play and focus on what they say, how they move their body and facial expressions, what decisions they make, and how they react to the materials and to other people around them.
Be sure to take notes in an organized manner so when you type up the Observation Narrative for the paper, you can include a detailed description of what the child did and said in the exact order it took place. The reader of your paper should be able to "see" what took place through your descriptions.
During the observation, do not write down any judgements about the child or any interpretations of what you believe about their development. You will eventually write a detailed analysis for the paper, but during the observation, simply focus on writing a detailed description of what the child says and does.
Observation Interpretation Paper
The goal of the paper, is to interpret1 and analyze the observed behavior based on what you have learned about language development in relation to the other domains of development including social, emotional, physical and cognitive development through play. This paper should clearly demonstrate your ability to use responsibly observation as an appropriate assessment tool2.
To write the paper, please use the six headings below as headings in your paper. Based on your observation notes and readings from class, write detailed information to complete each section. To earn full points for this assignment, all six sections below must be completed in detail so please be sure to read each section of the assignment and the rubric carefully.
NOTE: Developing observation skills is essential to your success as a Child Development student, but also as an Early Childhood Educator in the field. It's a very practical skill which is why this type of observation is assigned in many Child Development courses. Please take your time to work through each part of the assignment. Your instructor will help you, so please feel free to ask questions any time you need clarification or support.
General Description
Setting: Where are you observing the child? (home, school, playground, other).
What is the relationship between you and the child?
What is the age of the child?
Who is present during the observation?
What do you know about the contextual factors of the child (e.g. race, ethnicity, language, ability, socio-economic status, religion, community, socioeconomic factors, etc.)? Please describe these contextual factors in objective language3
What else do you think the reader should know about the context in which this observation is taking place?
Observation Narrative (Description without interpretation)
This section should only include a detailed description of what you observed. In this section, do not include your interpretations or analysis of what the behaviors mean. Do not include contextual information or your personal commentary. In reading this section, I should be able to "see" what you observed because the description is detailed.
Using objective language, write what you observed. Describe what you saw the child do and say in detail.
Be sure to write what happened in sequential order so the reader can understand what happened from beginning to end.
Developmental Analysis (Interpretation)
Evidence: For this analysis, please explain how each observed behavior is connected to developmental terms and concepts. Be sure to cite the specific behavior from your observation notes and explain how it is connected to developmental terms and concepts from course readings/resources. As you analyze each observed behavior, please be sure to refer to your course readings as evidence to support your analysis. Cite your source using APA format.
Using objective language, describe specific behaviors you observed and noted in the observation narrative, and explain how those behaviors relate to the domains of development: physical, cognitive, language, social/emotional, and play. Be sure to cite developmental terms and concepts from your readings. (NAEYC 1a)
Provide detailed and specific examples, based on what you observed, in which the child has met or not yet met age-related milestones for language development. (NAEYC 3b)
Contextual Factors
Using evidence from the observation and using objective language, please explain how multiple contextual factors such as cultural and linguistic contexts, family structure, community characteristics, and the child's individual characteristics may influence the child's development. (NAEYC 1b)
Using a strengths-based approach, describe how at least one (1) contextual factor (e.g. race, ethnicity, language, ability, socio-economic status, religion, community, society) may influence the observed child's physical and mental health, well-being, and nutrition. What contextual factors might be considered protective? Your description must be respectful of diverse family and community characteristics. (NAEYC 2a)
Recommendations: Although assessment can be a positive tool for early childhood professionals, it has also been used in inappropriate and harmful ways. It is important that we understand and practice responsible assessment that supports children and is not used to exclude them or deny them services. When you write your recommendations below, please be sure to be responsible and base your recommendations on evidence from your analysis and not on your personal opinion.
Based on evidence from your observation, what activities or assistance would likely promote positive outcomes for this child? (NAEYC 3c)
Reflection
"Effective teaching of young children begins with thoughtful, appreciative, systematic observation and documentation of each child's unique qualities, strengths, and needs. Observation gives insight into how young children develop and respond to opportunities and obstacles in their lives. Observing young children in classrooms, homes, and communities helps [us] develop a broad sense of who children are—as individuals, as group members, as family members, as members of cultural and linguistic communities" (NAEYC Professional Preparation Standards 2010).
Reflect on the experience of doing this observation assignment. From your perspective, what is the benefit of using observation as a method for learning about a child's development? (NAEYC 3a)