As the toddlers finished their meals and with the help of the teacher they put their dirty dishes, cups and spoons in a gray bin so it can be washed. Inspiring ideas, training and resources for early learning. I use this type of observation when I want to record a little more detail about a significant learning event. Ryons behavior is typical for his age, I think. They liked helping each other at meal and play time. . Before observing a child there has to be a main reason for doing so. I believe both can play an important role in todays evaluations and provide a more holistic picture of the child. I have been an educator, centre owner, teacher at Tas Tafe (currently in my 15th year) and agree with your post. Ryon seems to be very tall and heavy for his age and is not walking yet. In another section of the room I observed three toddler boys playing. This takes some effort. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6e362fa7126ad380dcfc799639cbc22" );document.getElementById("i18416841d").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But now I hear you saying But what about the EYLF outcomes? It tells us we need to do observations in a certain way and I dont understand it, its too much work. To be able to observe the authentic child and associated play you need to be unobtrusive and observing the play in your usual setting. There is no reason why you cant use checklists to identify both strengths and weaknesses and use them to form part of your evaluation of a childs learning. At one point he began to drool, and his mother wiped his mouth. Ill be following up with a post about reflective practice soon. Observing is obviously the act of looking and watching but in our profession we need to take that one step further. Personally they all do my head in so I added an area to my program where I add focus children activities with the corresponding observation date. This blog post is already too long (again!) I arrived while they were having free indoor play so during their play time I observed some toddlers were more interested in the toys the infants had then the toys they had. He looks up at his mother to see what she is doing and pushes the car toward her. There should be a direct linknot flowery wording of what you think *might* be important to add. If you do not approach your observing and programming systematically it becomes easy to miss parts of the cycle or certain children and that is when it becomes easy to get overwhelmed or frustrated. Learning stories usually focus on what the children can do rather than what they cant whereas the running record and anecdotal records often focus on identifying gaps in development (which they actually dont need to, it has just been the traditional way in years past). Just looking for activities to plan that I can relate to some of my obs takes a lot of time. They are usually also a little easier for parents to understand as they arent too technical but they do take more time to read and time poor parents often prefer more visual examples of their childs progress (in my experience). Did it meet expectations, challenge the child etc? When he goes from crawling to a sitting position, he raises his right leg up and puts his right foot flat on the ground and then leans back on his bottom. It was possible for them to see each other at all times I think through their interactions and play, the infants will learn certain behaviors from the older children, like feeding themselves, talking, playing, etc. You dont need reams of paper to tell a story. Remember: This is just a sample from a fellow student. Evan and Emma finished their meals faster than the other children. Asking the right questions before you begin an observation will help you stay focused on what is really important. Another thing I love about using photos is that they are an instant record but I dont need to put them together into a document until I have the time to do so. Kind Regards, An Observation of Infants and Toddlers., An Observation of Infants and Toddlers [Internet]. You do not need to link your activities to the EYLF! What Im trying to say is that although the eylf does place a level of importance on experiences being child initiated it is still best practice to incorporate a combination of planning methods. Then he paused and stopped pushing the car until he had moved it to his intended position. Now you get to use your ninja early childhood skills (hmm, bit tired sorry) but you do! His legs are spread apart, and his feet point outward. For example, even as early as infancy, play fosters physical development by promoting the development of sensory exploration and motor skills. The teacher lined them up. How do they respond to each other? I think he is gauging her emotions and likes the comfort of her stare. Some people love to do them though its all about finding your own style! If you want more information about how to write learning stories this article explains the process in an easy to understand format. Arrange your observation notes into a cohesive narrative. Im going to bust a few myths for you right now.although as always keep in mind that this blog is purely my own interpretation and reflection based on my own reading of the document and service practice. You need to interpret then summarise the skills, development and behaviours which are included in the observations you have taken. You dont need to feel you have to write reams of next steps; if it is a short observation you may just add 1 activity or experience in your forward planning. 2. It helps people understand the power and influence they have over the little ones that depend so very much on their caregivers. (Frank Manis ,2016) I once read that Freud described play as a childs mechanism for repeatedly working out a previously experienced traumatic event in a effort to correct or master the event to his satisfaction. The classroom space for their infants and toddlers provided opportunities for the younger and older children to interact with each other. When his mother smiles, he smiles back at her. ( Frank Manis,2016) Vygotsky proposed that most aspects of cognitive development take in place in a social context, with adults acting as intelligent guides who anticipate what the child needs to learn as well as provide culturally specific methods of learning. I file them in the childrens computer folder portfolio. Discuss your observations in relation to the infants age. But I developed this system because it suits my style and works efficiently as a system for meit might not for you but you might be able to take something away from seeing it in action. Objective writing what we see and hear. We can do this together I promise! The children imitated the interactions they observed between each other in the classroom. Oh, and yes, I want to assure you and your readers that students studying with TAFE most certainly learn about the developmental milestones, without this they would not know what to observe or understand childrens growing competence. What information are they asking for, what type of methods can be used ie diary writing, photographs, checklists to find out if they have aquired a skills, have specific interests etc, im so confused. He does check to see if she is paying attention to him as he plays. Your future planning should be looking at resources, materials, people, routines, expectations and strategies .Try to think outside the box a little and also how you could incorporate the activities into group learning experiences and not just individual focus activities. Evaluating childrens observations allows us to identify the childrens strengths, interests and opportunities for further development. It really is about your system as a whole. 2. Both groups seem to really get along with each other. Kristy sat the doll in her lap and grabbed a book and pretended as though she was reading to the doll, While Emma was rocking and singing to her doll. Required fields are marked *. Just something brief, a line or two. With your interpretation and summary complete, you can now think about which skills, capabilities, potential, interests and preferences you wish to focus your attention on for the sake of program planning. I know a lot of people struggle with this part but I actually find it the easiest part of the cycle so hopefully I can help. Emma was talking to Gabby. Moreover, play for Erikson, like Piaget, play promotes a child who is socially competent. You are aiming to foster their development. Read over the observation, look at the photos, try to recall the moment as often you will not be completing your evaluation at the same timewell I rarely do as I like to break up things into blocks, you might be different. The goal of this assignment was to observe different children in an uninterrupted environment. Want to download a free print friendly versionof this article for further reflection and support? Even with the absence of food they knew that lunch was coming. I usually also like to include a few photos to add to the text. Their interactions also provided the context for them acquiring social communication and cooperation. Describe and discuss this in relation to the infants age. They are written as the activity or event is occurring and are usually quite descriptive. You might like to jot a few notes in your diary or on a sticky note or two to give you little prompts for later when you are able to sit down to write up the observation. Weve got you covered. The 2-year olds were definitely showing strong interest in the infants and their well being. and an early childhood educator. You would also add the date each particular milestone or goal was met. This calmed Jeannie and James. I read all of the article. They went over to the teacher and asked if they could help feed James and Gabby. You have clearly and simply explain every single thing which are very important as an educator. Describe the infant sitting, crawling, and/or standing. You could list the outcome numbers if you want, I know that many do but often a childs demonstrated learning can overlap into a number of areas so I find it easier to just use your words (yep, a little educator humour therestick with me). It seems that their relationship is positive, and his mother is very attentive. Available from: https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/an-observation-of-infants-and-toddlers/, Recieve 100% plagiarism-Free paper just for 4.99$ on email, *Public papers are open and may contain not unique content. Your planned individual and group activities should clearly show that you are meeting all areas of the EYLF. The teacher took Gaby from the rocker and sat down at the carpet with Emma, She handed Emma a bottle. Furthermore, I was so amazed to see the interactions between the two age groups. First let me say I am not a huge fan of learning stories but I know many are and they do play a valuable role in many programs so I thought I should give them a mention. Although all the children observed were the same age, they all acted differently during their observation. Please keep in mind I am sharing the system that works for me, it might not for you but I do hope there is something here that you might be able to take away that makes your life a little easier when it comes to working out your own planning cycle. Each person needs to find what method suits them and their service and be reflecting on the EYLF by capturing each childs learning journey over time. What you need to ensure is that you have an understanding of the 5 outcomes and the activities that fall under the different categories.many will cross over so dont feel you need to make them fit in one box. Gabby was still fussy. GradesFixer. He is very social and enjoys interacting with others as well as playing independently for short periods of time. They obviously need to be written while you are there observing the moment so this can take you away from other children and your participation in the activities and play occurring. Your observation narrative should be linear and written in the present tense. In addition, through imaginative play helped Kristy, Emma, Sonni Lilly, Katherine and Kaia develop their unique perspective and individual style of creative expression. For example, through block play, the Emma, Jeannie, James and Gabby were confronted with many mental challenges having to do with measurement, equality, balance, shape, spatial relationships.