Child Observation Methods

Documentation of the child observation should be based on what was actually seen and
heard and should be as detailed as possible. Here are some examples of child
observation methods to help you document and meet your purpose for observing the
child:

 Anecdotal Records - this method involves factual accounts of events that should answer
the possible what, when, and where questions of parents or guardians. Anecdotal Records are
written in the past tense and includes what the child had said and done during an event. The
documentation should also include other non verbal cues like body language and facial
expressions. It should also describe the child's reaction and behavior during an event.
 Running Records - you note down what you see and what the child says while it is
happening. This method of observation should be written in the present tense and include as
much detail as possible.
 Learning Stories - this is the method of telling a story about the child (or a group of
children) and the child’s decisions and the events or scenarios that followed because of those
decisions. Can be one short paragraph or more than a whole page depending on the story.
 Time Samples - a method of recording observations on the child's behavior and what the
child is doing at specific times. This can be done at regular intervals and can be a useful method
to help identify and reduce the child's negative behavior by understanding the context
surrounding the situation.
 Jottings - literally jotting down brief sentences detailing important events, behaviors, or
conversations. This can be done together with other observation methods in childcare: Work
Samples and Photographs.
 Work Samples - these are the child's paintings, clay figures, drawings, cutouts, writings,
and other creations. Educators can provide descriptions based on jotted down notes narrating
what the child may have said or done surrounding these work samples.
 Photographs - parents love seeing pictures of their children so how best to describe what's
going on while they're away than with images of their child in action. Add annotations on
photographs to give a description about what was taking place when the image was taken.

When documenting child observations be careful to note what you actually

observe, what you see and hear exactly. Be objective and always be factual. The
information gathered during child observation should serve the intended purpose
you have set from the beginning and can help with the needs of early childhood
development.