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Why Observe Children?
February 9, 2017
I believe finally, that education must be conceived as a continuing reconstruction of experience; that the process and the goal of education are one and the same thing.
-John Dewey, philosopher and educational reformer, 1859-1952
-John Dewey, philosopher and educational reformer, 1859-1952
"If you have kept your pad and pencil as steady companions and recorded one or two children over a period of time, engaged in varied activities, alone and with others, by now you have a treasured collection," writes Nancy Balaban in the Exchange CEU course Observing Children.
"These observational records give authenticity to the conferences you hold with parents. In anticipation of a meeting with a parent, take records that document the child’s interests, friendships, and approach to learning."
"The records you make will lead you to improve your teaching through the process of examining your own behavior as well as by sharing your records with others and by getting to know the children in your group as individuals and group members."
"You will be able to step aside from your own point of view to see children as they are. These records will also help you understand children whose culture is different from your own. Observing and recording helps all teachers refine their practice by getting close to the children they teach."
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Comments (2)
Displaying All 2 CommentsPennsylvania, United States
I agree with Francis--children are developing and growing at their own unique pace. I see observation as useful for gauging the children's interest, social abilities and ways of learning. It helps me to learn about my children and develop ways that I can support and engage them.
CSBC
Denver, CO, United States
I have two concerns when it comes to observing children, 1) make sure that positive observations and feedback is given to parents before issues are addressed (often parents only hear the negatives), and 2) be very, very careful before using these observations to suggest a child might need further assessment for possible special needs services (and never use them as a 'proof' that the child has a delay or disability.
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