Observations Flashcards
Written records can also be called?
Narrative methods
How do you do carry out the written (narrative method) of observation?
You need a pen and piece of paper.
You watch the child and write down everything that they do.
What are the advantages of the written (narrative method) of observation?
Needs no preparation
Can be used to observe all areas of development.
Can be used to observe more than one area of development at once.
What are the disadvantages of the written (narrative) method of observation?
Can be hard to write everything down quickly.
The observer is likely to have to keep stopping, or to choose what to focus on.
Can be hard to record accurately and without judgement.
Checklist methods of observation can also be called?
Tick chart
How do you carry out the checklist method of observation?
You have a prepared list of statements (often based on the milestones).
You observe the child, when you see them doing a skill on the list, you tick that they can do it.
What are the advantages of the check list method of observation?
Easy to fill in and can be completed fairly quickly.
Can be repeated to see if the a child has made progress.
Keeps the observer focused on specific skills.
What are the disadvantages pf the checklist method of observation?
Observers may come to different conclusions about whether a child has mastered a skill.
Does not show how quickly or confidentiality a child managed a task or skill.
How do you carry out the event sample method of observation?
A prepared sheet is drawn up to record the event.
Every time the child does the event you record it e.g. every time a child bites another one, you record it.
How does event samples help?
It allows the practitioner to see if there is a pattern to the events happening.
What are the advantages of the event sample method of observation?
It is possible to pick up patterns or triggers for behaviours.
Can be used to check that strategies are working.
What are the disadvantages of the event sample method of observation?
Adults may not always be there to see what has caused the event.
Adults may forget to fill in the sheet promptly.
Describe the time sample method of observation.
Used to see what a child is doing over an hour or a session.
Helps to see what activities a child enjoys, where the child goes and who they play with.
Describe the time sample method of observation.
It is a recording of ‘events, often used to look at children’s behaviour. It records every time an event happens e.g. a child biting another child.
How do you carry out the time sample method of observation?
On a prepared chart you observe the child at particular time intervals (e.g. every ten minutes) and write down what they are doing.
What are the advantages of the time sample method of observation?
Shows what a child is doing over a long period of time.
Can be used to look at different aspects of a child’s development.
What are the disadvantages of the time sample method of observation?
The observer has to keep an eye on the time.
An interesting event or incident might be missed because it isn’t in the time slot.
The observer has to be organised and prepare a sheet.
Which method of observation looks at children’s friendship groups?
Sociogram
How do you carry out the sociogram method of observation?
Ask a group of children to name three of their friends.
It is important to do this on their own away from other children, so they aren’t influenced.
What are the advantages of the sociogram method?
Can be a useful starting point to find out more about children’s friendships and who they play with.
Useful with older children who may be playing out of sight of adults.
What are the disadvantages of the sociogram method?
Can be very unreliable. Children might not name friends who are absent who they would normally play with.
Can only be used with older children who are likely to be more settled in their friendships.
Why do we need to observe children? (five reasons)
To check the pattern of children’s development.
To help plan activities to support development and children’s interests.
To help understand children’s behaviour.
To share information with parents.
To provide information to professionals.
