Module 4 1. Definition


Observation of the child is the gathering of information about the child’s abilities, possibilities and limitations.


To be able to observe the child, it is essential to know what stage of development he is at or should be at.


Te aim of pre-school education is to develop the child as a total being. Observation is important for the child’s development.


2. The method of observation


Te educarer should develop a habit of observing every child individually and being constantly aware of what is happening in the playroom or on the playground. Te child must be observed every day he is at the centre to enable the educarer to really know the child’s capabilities and limitations. Te subjects education and child health will help the educarer to do proper observation and evaluation. Te different developmental levels are discussed in detail in these subjects. In Module 2 in this subject, the developmental stages are discussed briefly.


Read as much as possible about children. Collect articles. Attend workshops and seminars about the topic. A good reference is the book “A practical guide to child development”, Volume 1 by Valda Reynolds.


2.1 Criteria for proper observation


a) Professional discretion and strict confidentiality must be maintained at all times. b) All records and reports on children are confidential. c) No information may ever be leſt lying around. d) Always have stationery ready at hand to record important observations. e) Te children must be unaware of any observation taking place. f) Results of observations must be interpreted with caution. Consult your colleagues and get background information from the parents if necessary to interpret unusual behaviour.


g) Real contact with the child’s parents is important to keep the educarer informed about events that might influence the child’s behaviour and actions.


h) Intensive and objective evaluation is important to be able to evaluate a child properly. i) Te intelligent interpretation of information is very important. j) Proper planning to observe is necessary. k) Observation and evaluation must be done in a professional way. l) Be honest. m) Evaluate the child right through the day. n) A proper evaluation sheet will help the educarer with the observation/evaluation. o) Develop each aspect of the child: for example, if the child is very independent, do not assume that he is very mature for his age.


2.2 The value of observation


To ensure that observation is successful, everybody involved in the care and education of a child must gather information about the child. a) Observation enables the parent/educarer to get to know and understand the child.


66 FutureManagers


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