Focus Child Observation:Cognition and Sensory Development
Observations are documentation of direct (in-person or recorded) observations of young children in childcare settings, alternative out of home care including family childcare settings, special classes for young children or home settings for newborns and infants not enrolled in out of home care.
There will be 3-4 focus child observations engaged in various learning activities. If possible, you should choose a child you can visit for multiple in-person observations. The more distant the relationship the better. Your focus child observations will be the foundation for your final paper and newsletter.
Observation Format: Each observation should be 2-4 pages long, typed, double-spaced, using 12-point font only with 1-inch margins. Each page must be numbered with your last name and course number. Each observation should have a heading with the child’s name; age; date; time and location of the observation along with the following sections:
1) Context Description: you only need to describe your focus child once.
2) Observation: Describe what you see and hear as well as how children do what they do and say what they say; and
3) Interpretation: Discuss the meaning of your observation for the child. Consider what kind of learner is this child and what might be the motivations for their behaviors and language based on your experiences and readings.
