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Recording Observations

List the header information: Date, time, name (pseudonym – do not use a child's real name), age, and any other information the instructor requires.

Record what you see or hear. Think of yourself as a video camera recording without interpreting. Avoid phrases such as:

  • he/she seems
  • she/he is trying
  • he/she appears
  • I think
  • It looks like
  • he/she likes
  • I feel he/she can't
  • he/she meant
  • she/he understands
  • she/he feels

Include the child's own words. Write it exactly how the child says it.

Be specific. For example say: "David counts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10" Do not say: "David counts to 10".

Describe what the child is doing. Write: "Maggie picks up a block with her right hand and puts it on top of another block of the same size." Do not write: "Maggie takes a block and stacks on another block."

Know what is important to record. Review your assignment prior to your observation.

All observations must be in paragraph format. Follow APA.

Read Next "Lesson Plan and Activity Guidelines"