Observations and planning

[Guest terrydoo73]

Could anyone recommend a good book on observation and planning more for actual vocabulary to be used. We had some training by an Early Years Specialist today and the one thing that came out of it was we are being too wordy in our obs rather than being focused. Also need help with looking at our obs and seeing how best we can plan around what has been seen and perhaps extend a childs learning. There are some good ones on Amazon but it is knowing which one is recommended! I want to move away from flogging a dead horse ie putting out everything to do with leaves, conkers, acorns etc for autumn theme which will run an entire month when in actual fact children are not interested in this but are constantly talking about say dinosaurs and it is incorporating that into a few areas to stimulate and excite children.

 

I know myself that it will take some time to step back and cut out some of the blurb that is not needed ie M went to the water tray, put on an apron, rolled up sleeves, attached the velcro straps and then chose a jug and bottle to play with - really what I want to say is M put on apron by himself and the assessment being becoming independent!

[Sox]

I think early years sell observations and planning books!

[Panders]

But that would be a good observation Terrydoo to have done if you wanted to find out about how independent this child was becoming wouldn't it, this would be your evidence. If you didn't need to observe his independence levels the observation is pretty useless!

 

Decide what you need to look for with your key children and only observe/note down those things rather than all the things they do, unless they are doing something completely new that you haven't seen a dozen times before,and note that down.

[Guest terrydoo73]

Thanks Sox but have checked their site - they do

 

The Art of Awareness: How Observation can Transform your Teaching

Focused Observations: How to Observe Children for Assessment and Curriculum Planning

The Portfolio Book

Partners in Play Assessing Infants and Toddlers in natural contexts

 

Which one do I go for? I thought of the second but it is no longer in stock!! And it is very expensive at £25

[sunnyday]

qklg_pd_mod4_exp2_doc_observ.pdf

 

You might find this useful Terrydoo :1b

[Guest terrydoo73]

Just checked on Amazon and this same book is £10.50 - half the price!

[Guest terrydoo73]

THank you Sunnyday - very valuable!

[sunnyday]

THank you Sunnyday - very valuable!

 

Cool - glad to be able to help! :1b

[Guest]

Thanks Sunnyday, very good observation example

[apple]

thank you sunnyday , that's a really useful article

[Cait]

That looks useful, I think I will print out for staff meeting. Page six might even be added to staff files!!