Inquiry 3

Session 3: Observing Young Children

 

Inquiry 3: Characteristics of a Quality Observation

 

One of the requirements of a quality observation is that the child care provider be objective. It is important to be as impartial as possible and to stand back and record what is actually happening and not what you think the child is experiencing. Consider the following examples:

• Quality Record of Observable Behaviour: M. (age five years) entered the room taking small steps, and then jumped into the chair at the front of the table. She looked up at me. With a large grin on her face she said, “I really like you guys!”

• Poor Record of Observable Behaviour: M. (age five years) entered the room as though she were shy. She rushed to the chair and stated that this was the best room!

Observing children’s body language and the inflection of the child’s voice is very important. Children tell a lot about behaviour by how softly or loudly they speak and by whether or not their facial and body reactions are large or small. Because young children lack verbal communication skills, child care providers must rely on sounds and facial expressions, such as the child’s crying or smiling.

 

 

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