Child observation simulator: toddlers

Scenario #4 – Observing Jody

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 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.

Jody (two-years-and-three-months-old) has been attending the centre for the past six weeks. Her mother settles her at the empty playdough table before leaving. Jody sits at the table watching the other children enter the room, she has her furry bunny rabbit on her knee and is rhythmically stroking it with her thumb. Her other hand is resting on a lump of dough which she is also rhythmically stroking with her thumb.

Two other children join her at the table and begin pummelling and rolling their lumps of dough. Within 10 minutes all the children have arrived and are all beginning to occupy themselves at the various activities. Jody leaves the dough table and walks purposefully to the sand tray where another child is playing. She places her bunny on the edge and begins shovelling sand into a container.

Schemas in children’s play (PDF)

 

 

 

 


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