Child observation simulator: toddlers

Scenario #3 – Observing Shona

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 of Shona below to take a step backwards 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.

Shona (two-years-and-four-months-old) is busy in the large block area moving blocks that are spread around to the side against the wall.

She is chatting as she works saying “this is a good one for the fire”, “oh, oh, it’s very heavy”, “this is a good one” and “watch your fingers”.

Each block is placed carefully next to or on top of the previous ones.

Amongst the pile of blocks, she picks up a small red wooden rod. She examines it and says, “this is my favourite”. She tries to pick up one of the large blocks whilst holding onto the rod unsuccessfully. She puts the rod down, picks up the block, looks at the rod again and puts the block back down. She then picks up the rod, tucks it under her chin and picks up the block.

Slightly awkwardly, she drops the block beside her pile, retrieves the rod from under her chin, puts it down, straightens the block on the pile, picks up the rod again saying ‘my favourite’ and repeats the process until all the blocks are transported. She looks at the blocks with her hands on her hips and says, “that’s ‘nuff now!”, picks up the rod and leaves the block area.

Schemas in children’s play (PDF)