Synopses & Reviews
This updated edition of
Focused Observations will help early childhood educators connect observation and documentation to appropriate assessment and curriculum related to early learning guidelines.
Intentional teaching begins with focused observations and systematic documentation of childrens learning and development. This book explains why observation is one of the best methods to get to know each child well, track progress, and plan individualized curriculum. It also provides tools and techniques to help you strengthen your observations, create portfolios with rich documentation, and support each child. You will also learn how to share your findings with families and grow as an observer through review and reflection activities.
Learn answers to common questions about observation, including
Why should I use observation in my classroom?
What does effective observation and documentation look like?
How do I fit observation in so that it doesnt take away from teaching and interacting with children?
How do observation and documentation work with early learning guidelines?
An interactive CD-ROM with nineteen vignettes of children in action provide opportunities to practice observing children and capturing what you see.
Gaye Gronlund is an early childhood consultant who trains educators, administrators, and policy makers across the country. She is a well-known keynote speaker and staff development presenter and the author of six Redleaf Press books. Gaye holds a masters degree in adult learning and early childhood education.
Marlyn James is the early childhood program director and the education department chair at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, Montana. She presents at local, state, and national conferences and coauthored Early Learning Standards and Staff Development with Gaye Gronlund. Marlyn holds a masters degree in human development.
Synopsis
Observe and document childrens development in systematic, purposeful ways that provide complete pictures of their progress and supports curriculum planning.
Synopsis
Intentional teaching begins with focused observations and systematic documentation of children's learning and development. This book is filled with tools and techniques designed to help early childhood educators purposefully observe children, create portfolios with rich documentation, and plan curriculum that supports every child. Discussion questions, observation practice exercises, and reflection assignments are included, as well as DVD with classroom vignettes showcasing observation techniques.
Gaye Gronlund is an early childhood education consultant who trains early childhood educators across the country.
Marlyn James is an education and early childhood professor.
About the Author
Gaye Gronlund: Gaye Gronlund is an early childhood education consultant who trains early childhood educators across the country. She is a former preschool, kindergarten, and primary teacher of both regular and special education. Gaye holds a master's degree in adult learning and early education from Pacific Oaks College. She is also the author of
Developmentally Appropriate Play, Focused Early Learning, Make Early Learning Standards Come Alive, and coauthor of
Focused Portfolios, Focused Observations, and
Early Learning Standards and Staff Development.
Marlyn James: Marlyn James is an education and early childhood professor at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, Montana. With more than 30 years in the early childhood field, Marlyn has worked as a preschool teacher and center director and with infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. Marlyn presents workshops at the local, state, and national levels. She is the coauthor of Early Learning Standards and Staff Development and Focused Observations. Marlyn holds a masters degree in human development from Pacific Oaks College.