Now we know what charts and pictograms are.
attractive ways to present information about groups of children.

So the next step is consider an appropriate example of this observation technique.

The information used in the charts is taken from the Time Sampling observation of children's play in different areas of an Education Nursery. Examples of graph, bar chart, pie chart and Venn Diagram are shown. The Pictograms give examples of cognitive skills.

Click for a demonstration of a charts and pictograms

Points to remember when using observation charts and pictograms

1. Research developmental guides and textbooks to focus your observation
2. Include sources of information about norms for stages of development in the bibliography
3. Include a specific title to focus on an area and stage of development
4. Include the ages of the children
5. Include a key to explain the chart or pictogram
6. Make sure charts are neat, legible and colourful
7. Make sure charts are accurate it is easy to make mistakes in transferring observation data

Before you go off somewhere else check your understanding!

1. What exactly is an observation chart?

Choose an option.

Is this a way to observe a group of children?
Is this an attractive way to present data on groups of children?
Is this a checklist to record child development?

2. When is an observation chart the most appropriate technique to present an observation?

Choose an option.

To observe a toddler's unique language development.
To observe emotional development as part of a longitudinal study.
To observe children's gross motor skills during outdoor play.

Find out more about different observation techniques

Introduction
Anecdotal	Schedule	Charts and Pictograms
Time Sampling	Event Sampling	Target Child

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