Observing Young Children
- Tina Bruce - Honorary Visiting Professor at University of Roehampton
- Stella Louis
- Georgie McCall
This is a book about the process of finding user-friendly and purposeful ways of observing and planning that will help those who are working with young children in a variety of settings to look with insight at children, providing what they need in order to develop and learn optimally. By examining the historic background of observing and planning, and describing examples of good practice in different group settings, this book will help to monitor a child's progress - what is needed now and to work out what is needed next.
The real life case studies from various settings including day care, nursery school, primary school, private sector and Soweto examine different observation techniques, looking at their strengths, drawbacks and use in everyday practice. Examples from the UK and internationally illustrate the history and importance of observation in a range of contexts, while a glossary clearly explains the key terminology. All the examples given in this book can be used with different National Framework documents worldwide, bearing in mind however the authors' belief that curriculum frameworks must be used as a resource and never as a limiting straitjacket.
Drawing on key theory and research, the book's chapters cover:
- Flexible planning
- Record keeping
- Working with parents
- Using technology.
Full colour photographs, illustrations and useful charts and diagrams make this an accessible and engaging resource that will no doubt be invaluable to any early years practitioner. This book was originally published as Getting to Know You - part of the 0-8 series.
'This is a timely new book, which a wide range of early years practitioners will find accessible. I strongly support its principled focus on working collaboratively with families, the way it values children’s experiences, and its practical suggestions for developing high-quality, manageable systems to record assessments. I look forward to using this book with newly-qualified and more experienced staff.'
The Froebel Trust warmly welcomes the publication of “Observing Young Children”. Admirably clear and eminently practical, the book is under-pinned and suffused with Froebel’s principles and demonstrates their application to the central skill of observation to the benefit of both practitioners and parents.
Good structure including visuals, milestones, links to EYFS and examples of different observational methods.
Links well to course content
an excellent book for Higher level students.This book has all the relevant information related to observing children in an early years setting.
A useful guide for H.E. students who are new to the sector, as well as a higher level refresher for those already qualified.
The script is easy to navigate with good practical examples to support understanding. A good theory base supports learner understanding of different types of observation.
A very useful text for addressing the importance of observation, and examining 'what' observation is all about. The case studies are really useful in assessing what can be achieved from observations, and it aids the necessity of presenting observational evidence to monitor learning and progress.
Excellent, comprehensive, contemporary and accessible, a great resource.
An excellent resource to compliment Foundation Degree childcare programmes, that looks at the importance of observing young children and the different ways assessments can be done to inform future practice.
