Child Observation

1.1 Explain how observations are used:

Reference- www.slideshare.net. Text book- Penny Tassoni. Laser learning.

Observation is the tool that practitioners use to obtain the necessary information that helps them to plan effectively for each child. Observations are considered to be an important part while working with the children. There are number of reasons why recorded observations are required.

To plan for individual children’s needs- Observations are very important when planning for children’s individual needs. While observing practitioner understand children’s needs, interests and their stage of development. Once children’s needs, interests and stage of development are recognised, practitioner can plan activities and resources accordingly.

Observation of the setting’s environment will help practitioner to identify areas that are under-used or not equipped. It may also show area which is of particular interest to the children. Observations show how effectively specific areas are been working. Mark-making may be hardly used by children and through observations practitioner can work to improve the area for children. Practitioner need to constantly review the environment. An observation of a specific area in the setting will provide practitioner with lot of information about how often the area is used, is there enough space and resources for the

Reference- Text book- Penny Tassoni.

The EYFS or National Curriculum do not specify any particular observation methods that practitioners should use. But there is a requirement for regular observations and assessments through which further activities can be planned for further development of the children. All observation methods must remain confidential. When carrying an observation child’s name should not be disclosed, codes such as child A and Child B should be used. Some of the ways which early years setting use for observations and assessments are:

Learning journeys- Learning journeys are documents or files that record children’s progress. It provides a picture of child’s development in the different areas of learning. It consists of photos, art-work, mark-making or comments when children have done something which is significant. They are also referred as ‘wow’ moments. It can used to plan further learning experiences for the children. Learning journeys are shared with the parents and they can add their own observations. Learning journeys can support for planning activities based on the observations and ‘wow’