| What is Observation?
Observation is using our senses to become aware of our relationships, environment, and experiences
Observation is to use the information gained to impact the environment through strategic programming and to be a teacher, guider, and nurturer.
Observation is not about judging or labeling. When negative behaviors occur, a good observer looks for reasons of the misbehavior
Observation is to see the influences on the child. Influences come from the environment, the relationships, and the experiences.
Observation is long-term. It is to look for patterns of behavior and patterns of interaction.
Observation identifies the social skills that are necessary for successful life experiences.
Scene 1
What are the problems that we create when we label children? How can observation keep us from labeling and judging?
Good observation always keeps a long-term view. In other words, good observers recognize that what is happening in children now is happening at a particular time and place for a particular set of reasons. Children change, and environments change. What might be some ways to remind ourselves about the changing nature of children's interaction and their behavior?
Scene 2
Emily only gives out two patterns to the seven children. Why doesn't she give out seven patterns? What skills does Emily hope to develop in the children by only handing out two patterns?
What are the ways that Emily keeps tabs and communicates with the whole group, even when she is helping one child?
How do the kids who are waiting for their turn cope? What skills do they use to cope with the wait?
What behaviors do you see in the children? What kinds of needs do you think the children are expressing?
What ways do you see Emily building skills in children?
What do you see in the energy, focus, and attention of the children?
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