What is the Purpose and Importance of Observing Children in Early Years?
Observation is a fundamental and crucial aspect of the Early Years practitioner's role. It enables them to understand children as learners and as individuals. It helps to monitor, track and understand children's development, and it is an integral part of the assessment, planning cycle and accurately planning of children's next steps in their learning.
However, observing children is not only an essential tool for practitioners but parents too! Children's learning is a complex journey. Therefore, observing our children empowers parents to provide an even richer environment to play in at home, with rich learning opportunities, which our children enjoy, inspiring their curiosity and exploratory impulses.
What do observations involve?
Observations involve watching your child at play and taking part in activities both inside and outside.
These observations enable parents to learn and understand what is exciting and motivating to their children both as individuals and as groups—making it easier to follow their lead and providing them with activities they will enjoy.
What does an observation look like?
An observation should be descriptive but not very long, it should tell the whole story of the interaction.
Describe what your child is doing and how?
What are they saying?
Are they focused?
What to include:
Take a picture or a short video of your child engaging with an activity, game, books etc.
What was the length of time your child was engaged in the activity?
Write exactly what they were doing, with details about resources and words they used. Use exact words of what they said, using the same words and sounds.
Ask yourself, what does this mean for my child's learning? What are they getting out of this activity?
Ask yourself, does this observation give me a feeling of progress in my child's development? Or does it explain where they might be stuck and in need of support?
Your role as a parent.
To guide and nurture your little one during the most crucial years.
Be a watchful observer.
Give your child space and time to explore activities, games, books in their own time, at their own pace. Remember to give your child enough time to think, make links and respond. Be a watchful observer and offer a friendly smile.
Lead by example.
Some activities can be adult-led but remember to follow your child's lead still. You can do this by repeating words and mirroring movements. Show your child you are listening by repeating vocalisations, sounds, words and asking follow-up questions.
A journey of discovery.
You should be able to see a clear progression in your little ones learning as you flick back through your observations. In time, you should see your child starting to spend longer on specific interests and more deep-level learning taking place.
Observations often record more than just the everyday or the mundane. They should give you improved insight into your child. That might be:
A new skill they've learnt.
An emerging/new interest.
A new challenge they may be facing.
Something they might be struggling with.
This is an opportunity for you to engage with your little one and keep a record of what you have done.