Instructions Throughout This Course You Will Focus On Develo
Instructions throughout This Course You Will Focus On Developing You
Throughout this course, you will focus on developing your awareness regarding the importance of positive child guidance and the skills and knowledge that support responding to and guiding preschool-age children's behavior. Before you begin the Week 1 Application, review the overview of Application Assignments. However, do not work ahead. It is necessary to complete the readings and other course assignments each week before working on each Application.
As you have learned this week, young children often communicate through their behavior, making observation an essential tool for understanding children's behavior and discovering their strengths and needs. Observation requires objectivity, i.e., not making assumptions or judgments about what you observe.
To complete this Application Assignment:
- Step 1: Plan and Prepare for the Observation
- Confirm your observation date and time.
- Download and/or print your Observation Worksheet.
- Read through the worksheet.
- Review Chapter 6 in the text and the video program, "Observation" to prepare.
- Step 2: Observe
- Follow the guidelines on the Observation Worksheet.
- Step 3: Reflect
- Summarize your observation experience, including at least one personal goal for your next observation.
- Include insights you gained and/or misconceptions you corrected about observation from this experience.
Assignment length: approximately 2 pages (including your Reflection and your Observation Worksheet). You will submit your Observation Worksheet and your written Reflection combined into one Microsoft Word document by Day 7 of this week.
Paper For Above instruction
Effective observation is a pivotal skill in early childhood education, serving as a foundation for understanding and nurturing young children's development and behavior. As educators and caregivers, observing children objectively allows us to recognize their strengths, identify their needs, and tailor guidance strategies appropriately. This paper explores the importance of observation, the process involved, and personal insights gained through this exercise.
Preparation for observation involves meticulous planning and understanding of the child's environment. Confirming the observation date and time ensures that the setting is suitable and that the child’s typical behavior can be observed without undue influence. Downloading and reviewing the Observation Worksheet prepares the observer by clarifying what behaviors and contexts to focus on. Familiarity with Chapter 6 of Marion's "Guidance of Young Children" (2015) and the accompanying video "Observation" enhances understanding of observational techniques, emphasizing the importance of objectivity and non-judgmental recording.
The observation itself involves actively noting behaviors within the specified environment, resisting the temptation to interpret or evaluate. Observers should focus on factual, specific descriptions of what the child does, says, and how they interact with their surroundings. Following the structured guidelines on the worksheet helps maintain consistency and accuracy during this phase.
Reflection afterward is crucial for consolidating learning and planning future observations. Summarizing the experience offers insights into the child's developmental stage, social interactions, and emotional responses. Setting personal goals for subsequent observations—such as increasing patience, focusing on specific behaviors, or enhancing note-taking skills—helps improve observational accuracy and effectiveness.
Through this exercise, I gained a deeper appreciation for the nuances of children's behavior and the vital role of unbiased observation. Initially, I tended to make assumptions about children’s actions, but the process reinforced the importance of objective recording. I realized that observation is a skill that requires practice, patience, and mindfulness to truly understand the child’s perspective.
In conclusion, observation is an indispensable tool in guiding preschool children. It provides the data needed to inform responsive care and create supportive learning environments. The experience not only sharpened my observational skills but also cultivated a reflective mindset essential for effective teaching. Moving forward, I aim to refine these skills by being more intentional and systematic in my observations, which will ultimately contribute to more meaningful interactions and support for children's growth.
References
- Marion, M. (2015). Guidance of young children (9th ed.). Pearson.
- Cartwright, K. B. (n.d.). Effective Behavior Management, Part I. Retrieved from [URL]
- Foreman, G., & Hall, E. (n.d.). Wondering with Children: The Importance of Observation in Early Education. Retrieved from [URL]
- Laureate Education. (n.d.). Social and emotional learning [Video file].
- Laureate Education. (n.d.). Observation [Video file].
- Stanford Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Rotation. (n.d.). A Guide to Preschool Observations.
- Additional scholarly articles and resources on observation and child development, as appropriate.