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.