Child observation simulator: babies

Scenario #2 – What does this do?

Observation is a key tool when working with children. You may not always document everything that you observe, but you should develop the skill of recording incidental and significant information throughout the day. The most informative picture of a child will result from observations gathered in various contexts, both in and out of the setting. Observation of children should always take place in a context that is meaningful to them. Observations that are rooted in child-initiated learning experiences will generate valuable information for making accurate assessments of learning and development.

Watch the video and read the description below to take a step back and have a look at some everyday happenings. Comments, questions and links to more information are included in the following pages to support your thinking.

Noah is sitting beside a treasure basket. He picks out a wooden spoon, mouths it, takes it out of his mouth and looks at it while swapping it between his hands. He lifts it up and down as if shaking it, mouths it again then drops it in his lap.

He reaches over and picks out a rattle from the basket. Again, he mouths it, takes it out of his mouth, turns it around between both hands, looking intently at it. He lifts it up and down quickly and it makes a rattle noise, he smiles and repeats the action looking around him.

He drops the rattle, picks it up and repeats the shaking again looking around him and smiling. He drops the rattle in his lap, picks up the wooden spoon and repeats the rattle movement. He turns the spoon around in his hands, shakes it again and drops it in his lap.

He picks up the rattle and gives it another shake, drops it again in his lap and reaches into to treasure basket.

Schemas in children’s play (PDF)

 

 

 

 


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