Improving Observation Skills

Writing the Rationale

Observations provide information about children, their development, needs, talents and their environment. The rational states the reasons for choosing this observation of this child, in this place during this activity, at this time and in this way.

The rationale for a child observation is to learn more about:

child development

The areas of development - E.G. Physical, Cognitive, Emotional, Social
The sequence of development - E.G. sit, stand, walk, run
The milestones of development - E.G. First Steps between 9 to 18 months

the children

An individual child's stage of development at this time
The range of development of a group of children
The child's individual needs, personality and talents
The child's health

children's behaviour and effective ways to manage behaviour

how the children learn

identifying any sensory or physical difficulties

ways to ensure a safe and stimulating environment for the children

The rationale for a child observation is to provide information for:

written information about the development of an individual child
formal assessment of a child's learning - E.G. SATs and Baseline Assessment in schools
confidential reports for other professionals and parents - E.G. for a Case Conference

The rationale for a child observation is to plan effective activities

The rationale includes choosing an observation technique.

Observations can be recorded in different ways:

written narratives
pre-coded charts
graphs, charts and pictograms
audio and video recordings

Observations can be carried out in a variety of ways:

a short snap-shot observation to show development at this moment in time
a longitudinal study to show the change in development over weeks or months
a time sample to show the child's activities and behaviour during a morning
an event sample to show a child's pattern of behaviour
observations of individuals, or small groups and large groups

Each technique has advantages and disadvantages. E.G. A tape recorder can give a clear record of a child's spoken language, but may be difficult to use in a busy classroom because of the background noise.

The rationale includes the reasons to observe this child and the choice of observation method.
Please remember the important reasons to observe children.


		  The progress of the child's development

  Interaction with children/adults     Sensory/physical difficulties 

    Changes in behaviour  	Health		Emotional Reaction


  How the child learns    	  Safe/stimulating environment 
		
    Interests	 		        Play with others	
			
	 Effective planning to promote development

Advantages/disadvantages of a particular observation technique

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