De Anza College CD-010G-02 Observation 3 Instructions
Observation 3: A Preschooler
CD10G:
# The purpose of the third observation is to help you focus on the development of preschool children. This is difficult to do in a one time observation, because conclusions are more subjective than objective. In an effort to solve this problem you are required to use the attached CHILD INVOLVEMENT CHECKLIST.
# You are asked to observe one child aged 3-5 years. Please observe the child for a minimum of 1 hour.
# The final report should consist of the following 4 sections:
1. The Setting:
a. The date
b. The time period including starting time, ending time and the time of the day
c. Describe the physical setting (For example, “large room divided into three activity areas, clean, well lighted, painted in bright colors, some toys on shelves.)
d. Identify the group of children you are observing. (Example: “there were 15 children present at the time of the observations – 8 boys and 7 girls. They ranged from three to five years of age.)
e. Identify the number and type of adults who are present- volunteers, teachers, parents, etc. Include the ratio number. (Example: there is one adult for every 8 children.)
2. Description of the Child:
a. Specify the child’s name, age, sex, and other pertinent information.
b. Note such physical characteristics as skin, hair, nails, eyes, teeth. Include his/her weight and height.
3. The Running Observation:
a. Write down everything you see, describing only what you see. Be as complete in your descriptions as possible.
b. Include information about body movements and facial expressions.
c. Include all verbal exchanges. Note the words of the child as well as the responses from those that she/he addresses. (Dialogue)
d. Be specific. (Example: “Sharon is playing with dolls.” is not an informative as, “Sharon is playing with a doll in the kitchen corner of the room. She is hugging the doll tightly and saying, “It’s okay. Don’t cry.”)
e. Make sure to separate observed behavior from your thoughts and interpretations of that behavior
4. Conclusion: write a summary for each of the following 6 areas---
a. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: use numbers 1, 5, 6, 11, 13, 14, and 15 on the attached CHILD INVOLVEMET CHECKLIST
b. RELATIONSHIPS WITH ADULTS: use numbers 16, 18 and all questions on the checklist that pertain to talking to adults about experiences about what the child is doing.
c. RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHILDREN: use numbers 4, 18 and all other questions pertaining to relationships.
d. COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT: use numbers 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 12, and 15.
e. SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: use numbers 7, 8, 16, and 18.
f. SELF CONCEPT: use numbers 17, 18 and all questions pertaining to self image on the checklist.
# Be familiar with the checklist before doing the observation. Normally it is not possible to observe the child doing all the activities on the checklist. Check only what you see. There will be overlap in each area that will enable you to complete the conclusion.
# Attach a copy of the checklist with the original notes to your final report