Preschool Observation
Oliver, Calvin, and Sophia have entered preschool! This week, you will still record what you see in the child’s video, but the observation will be in anecdotal formatting. This means that instead of using a developmental checklist, you will simply narrate what the child is doing. Remember not to submit your entire narration to the discussion forum. Save that for your assignment. For now, you will use your anecdotal notes to share some information with your classmates.
Parents or caregivers are the most important people in a child’s life. Families can be an invaluable source of information about the child. Families need to know that their knowledge and insights are important. When it comes to making educational decisions about a child, teachers can share important information about the child’s development, while also asking for feedback from families who see things at home that the teacher might not see in the learning environment. In this discussion, you will prepare for a meeting with the child’s parents or caregivers. It’s a scheduled check-in, so they can hear about their child’s progress.
Prepare
To prepare for this discussion,
Read Chapter 7: Early Childhood Development (4–5 years).
Watch Collecting and Using Anecdotal RecordsLinks to an external site..
Watch Ian Playing With TrainsLinks to an external site., and review its completed sample Anecdotal Record Download Anecdotal Record.
Watch the video for the child you chose to follow throughout the course:
Oliver: ECE205 | Oliver Discussion 4Links to an external site.
Calvin: ECE205 | Calvin Discussion 4Links to an external site.
Sophia: ECE205 | Sophia Discussion 4Links to an external site.
Write
In your initial post, develop a script of what you would say to a family member or caregiver of that child based on your observation, addressing each of the following items:
State the name of the child you observed as the first line of your post.
Begin the conference with a positive statement.
Describe, using objective language and descriptive phrasing, three statements from the anecdotal observation you conducted on the child. (Write using the past-tense.)
Create three questions to ask the child’s family to get a better understanding of the child’s developmental needs in the areas you were not able to observe in the videos.
Explain to the parents which skills you want to observe next and the classroom activities that will give you the best opportunities to observe those skills.
Sample Solution
Positive Statement
I am excited to see how Oliver has progressed since his last observation. He is an active and curious learner who is eager to explore the world around him.
Anecdotal Observation Statements
- Oliver was engaged in imaginative play with his friends during circle time. He built a tall tower out of blocks and pretended that it was a castle.
- Oliver was able to follow multi-step directions during art time. He listened carefully to the teacher's instructions and painted a beautiful picture of a rainbow.
- Oliver was able to share his thoughts and ideas during snack time. He told his friends about his weekend trip to the zoo and described the animals he saw.
Questions for Parents
- Can you tell me more about Oliver's imaginative play at home? Does he enjoy playing with blocks, dolls, or other toys?
- What are Oliver's favorite things to do at art time? Does he enjoy painting, drawing, or sculpting?
- How does Oliver express his thoughts and ideas at home? Does he talk to you about what he is thinking and feeling?
Skills to Observe Next
- Oliver's ability to problem-solve
- Oliver's ability to work collaboratively with others
- Oliver's ability to communicate effectively
Classroom Activities
- Oliver will participate in a group activity where he will need to work together with his classmates to solve a puzzle.
- Oliver will take turns sharing his ideas during class discussions.
- Oliver will have the opportunity to role-play different scenarios in the classroom.
Calvin
Positive Statement
I have been impressed with Calvin's progress in language development. He is able to use complete sentences and express himself clearly.
Anecdotal Observation Statements
- Calvin was able to retell a story that the teacher read to him during circle time. He used his own words and included details from the story.
- Calvin was able to answer questions during snack time. He was able to tell his friends about his favorite foods and why he likes them.
- Calvin was able to participate in a group discussion during art time. He shared his thoughts and ideas with his classmates and listened to their perspectives.
Questions for Parents
- Can you tell me more about Calvin's language development at home? Does he enjoy reading stories? Does he talk to you about what he is thinking and feeling?
- How does Calvin express his needs and wants at home? Does he use clear and concise language?
- Does Calvin have any favorite books or stories? Does he enjoy listening to music or watching educational television shows?
Skills to Observe Next
- Calvin's ability to follow directions
- Calvin's ability to stay on task
- Calvin's ability to cooperate with others
Classroom Activities
- Calvin will participate in a group activity where he will need to follow multi-step directions to complete a task.
- Calvin will have the opportunity to work independently on a project.
- Calvin will be encouraged to take turns with his classmates during playtime.
Sophia
Positive Statement
I am so impressed with Sophia's fine motor skills. She is able to manipulate small objects with ease and precision.
Anecdotal Observation Statements
- Sophia was able to use scissors to cut out shapes during art time. She followed the lines carefully and was able to cut out the shapes without any mistakes.
- Sophia was able to string beads during snack time. She was able to thread the beads onto the string without any assistance.
- Sophia was able to use markers to draw a picture of her family during circle time. She was able to control her grip on the markers and create detailed and recognizable figures.
Questions for Parents
- Can you tell me more about Sophia's fine motor skills at home? Does she enjoy playing with puzzles, toys, or games that require dexterity?
- Does Sophia have any favorite activities that require fine motor skills? Does she enjoy building with blocks, drawing, or painting?
- How does Sophia express her creativity at home? Does she enjoy making things with her hands, such as drawing, painting, or building with blocks?
Skills to Observe Next
- Sophia's ability to follow directions
- Sophia's ability to stay on task
- Sophia's ability to cooperate with others
Classroom Activities
- Sophia will participate in a group activity where she will need to follow multi-step directions to complete a task.
- Sophia will have the opportunity to work independently on a project.
- Sophia will be encouraged to take turns with her classmates during playtime.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions.