Observing Details

In her article "No Ordinary Moments: Using Observations with Toddlers to Invite Further Engagement," in the Exchange Essential, "Observing Children Part I," Deb Curtis recounted her experiences when she spent a year closely observing toddlers as a child care teacher.  In one excerpt, she talks about the importance of observing details:

"Another observation skill I cultivated to enhance the teaching and learning process with my toddlers was to notice the many small things that occurred within the group.  Children look closely at the details that we adults take for granted and don’t pay attention to anymore.  We are quick to assign a label or meaning to what we see.  General information such as “they loved playing with the water” doesn’t give us much to engage with to deepen the teaching and learning process.  Capturing the specific details of what you hear and see, documenting with a clipboard and pen, a sketch, tape recorder, or camera can help you learn more about individual children, and see the complexity of the unfolding moments.  You also get ideas about additional things to offer to extend their interest for further learning."

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