Meaningful Observations: Understanding the Importance

Early Childhood Educators can gain insight into a child's development through various observational techniques. During my career as a childcare provider and ECE student. I have learned about and implemented many of these and have found I prefer some over others. 

Anecdotal Records are written moments. To capture a child's learning journey, they are very detailed about a certain aspect of time, they could be about a specific set of behaviours, interactions or incidents observed within the "classroom." Anecdotal records are a great observational tool for an ECE, they can provide opportunities for detailed descriptions, which is valuable to understanding a child's strengths, interests and possible areas for growth. 

Portfolios are great collections of a child. They become a moving, growing work of art, demonstrating a child's growth and learning over time. While working at Compass ELC, we used the observation tool of Portfolios. Through this tool, we compiled a collection of samples from the child. This was a great tool for reflection with the children, we could often pull down their portfolios and go through their accomplishments. It was also a great opportunity for parents and families to see what the child has accomplished and what they are currently working on. 

Checklists are like a guide to a child's development. They provide educators with a structured tool to track progress in a linear and organized manner. Checklists as an observational tool are a good way for an educator to record and present or absent goals or skills. These types of observations allow educators to track the "typical" progress of a child, which may mean providing the child and their families information about the next steps if the child may not be meeting the goals set. Each child should be thought of as an individual and when implementing checklists their goals and skills will differ from another child. While these are important tools of observation, it is important to remember the individual needs of the child will vary. 

Observational tools such as anecdotal records, portfolios and checklists are an important part of an educator's toolbox. They provide ECEs with a great deal of insight into a child's development while also providing a tool for reflection upon their practice. Anecdotal records can capture a child in the moment, portfolios can offer an overarching view of achievements and checklists can provide insight into skills and areas of growth. Not only do the children benefit from observations, it provides a tool for collaboration with colleagues and families. This ensures every child's learning and development are supported both at home and in the "classroom." 

These are just some of the tools that I have used within my journey to becoming an Early Childhood Educator. Through these tools, I have also reflected within my practice and changed the way I approach things to better suit a holistic child-led environment in my home daycare. Each opportunity I have had, working in various childcare settings furthers my commitment to personal and professional growth.