ECE 102 Introduction to ECE Lab Techniques
Child Observations
In this assignment, you will utilize informal observation techniques (over a 4-week period), to gather data on one child in your practicum classroom. Utilizing the Effective Teaching Cycle (ETC) you will tie your observational data to the Colorado Early Learning Guidelines (CELDG), reflect on the skills/development of the child, complete an activity plan, and implement this activity plan which will bring their play to a higher level.
Step One: Select a child in the classroom to observe
1) Complete the required paperwork to begin your observations.
Step Two: Complete authentic observations on the child you have chosen to observe. You will be observing the following domains.
✓ Social / Emotional development
✓ Cognitive development (Language development/ Emergent reading/writing skills (literacy)
✓ Cognitive development (math and science)
✓ Cognitive development (creativity)
1) You will be observing your chosen child using narrative observational records (minimum of 10/domain), checklists and observational tools (4 additional observational tools) provided to you on D2l under Observation Forms. You will transfer all data to the ELDG showing if the child is “Emerging” or “Mastering” the skills in each domain listed above. You may have data is other areas of the ELDG which can be included as well.
Step Three: Complete the Effective Teaching Cycle for your chosen child
1) Write a narrative utilizing the ETC as your guide.
Effective Teaching Cycle – Developmental Domains
i. Observations:
a. Narrative observational records
b. Checklists
c. Observational tools provided in class
ii. Analyze the data
a. Tie to the Colorado Early Learning Developmental Guidelines
i. Paragraph One = strengths of the child
ii. Paragraph Two = areas of growth
iii. Reflect on the data
a. Approximately 2 pages
iv. Communicate
a. Approximately two paragraphs
v. Take Action
a. A paragraph descriiption addressing “why”
b. Activity Plan attached
2) Provide documentation (anecdotal and running records) using your personal observation organization system that supports the assessments and observations.
Step Four: Implement your Activity Plan
1) You will implement your activity plan during either a small group or large group setting. This activity plan will blend in with the current “study”, “investigation”, or “theme” of your classroom or your practicum classroom.
2) You will coordinate this activity plan with your instructor and mentor teacher to come and observe you in action.
Step Five: Write a reflective narrative, 1-2 pages, describing how the activity plan went and if you would do anything differently, what would that be and why?
Assignment Detail
Exemplary
Proficient
Emerging
In Process
Points
Heading with Identifiers
Date, Recorder’s Name, Child’s name
2 of 3 present
1 of 3 present
None
Location and Context: Descriiption of location where incident occurs
Describes location and context where incident occurs (ex: In the Art Area at the double-sided easel)
Describes the context but not the location
Describes the location but not the context
States no location or descriiption of context
Narrative Recordings
Narrative recording tells the “story” of a happening with start, middle, end of event, is descriiptive, objective and the language is as though the reader was “there.”
Narrative recording tells the story but leaves out one (start, middle, or ending)
Most of the Narrative recording was in descriiptive, objective language, however some summary or judgmental statements.
Narrative record does not tell the whole story of the even.t
Does not record a Narrative record.
Connection to developmental domain, Questions, Next Steps
Separate from the descriiption of incident, connection of observation to developmental domain, Questions, Next Steps are noted
Separate from the descriiption, connection of observation to developmental domain but there are no Questions or Next Steps.
Separate from descriiption there is no connection of observation to developmental domain.
No Comments other than Anecdotal Recording
Using the observation student analyzes the collected information and reflects critically upon the data.
Communicates, organizes, and synthesizes information from sources to fully achieve a specific purpose with clarity and depth.
Communicates, organizes, and synthesizes information adequately to achieve a specific purpose; clarity and depth are present but inconsistent.
Communicates, organizes, information from sources. The information is not yet synthesized, so the intended purpose is not fully achieved.
Information is lacking organization or is fragmented and/or used inappropriately so the intended purpose is not achieved.
Using the observation student reflects on the data.
Communicates, organizes, and synthesizes information from sources to fully achieve a specific purpose with clarity and depth.
Communicates, organizes, and synthesizes information adequately to achieve a specific purpose; clarity and depth are present but inconsistent.
Communicates, organizes information from sources. The information is not yet synthesized, so the intended purpose is not fully achieved.
Information is lacking organization or is fragmented and/or used inappropriately so the intended purpose is not achieved.
Using the observation, analysis of the information, and reflection student communicates with others.
Communicates, organizes, and synthesizes information from sources to fully achieve a specific purpose with clarity and depth.
Communicates, organizes, and synthesizes information adequately to achieve a specific purpose; clarity and depth are present but inconsistent.
Communicates, organizes, information from sources. The information is not yet synthesized, so the intended purpose is not fully achieved.
