Synopses & Reviews
Taking a strong developmental focus, this book ensures that teachers understand the close relationship between observing, understanding what has been observed, and improving the educational curriculum and environment. This edition is the result of a continued commitment to produce a book on observation that unites solid methodological instruction with a broad understanding of children's development. Chapter 1 now covers information on professional development such as the reader's responsibilities and an introduction to professional organizations, developmentally appropriate practice, and ethical conduct in early childhood education. A new Chapter 2 details the practical issues of finding the time to observe, learning the basics of observation, and minimizing subjectivity. Highlights of development during preschool and primary grades serve as a common ground of information for both novice and knowledgeable readers to respond sensitively to children's individualities and cultures. Each chapter incorporates an ethic from the National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) “Code of Ethical Conduct” —and presents a concrete application to connect daily work with professional values For early childhood educators.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 384-393) and index.
Table of Contents
I. PREPARING THE LOOKING GLASS. 1. The Educated Observer. 2. On the Road to Sound Observations.
3. Highlights of Development During the Preschool Years.
4. Highlights of Development During the Primary Years.
II. OBSERVING INDIVIDUAL CHILDREN. 5. Observing Development of Individual Children by Using Running Records.
6. Observing Development of Individual Children by Using Anecdotal Records.
7. Observing the Development of Individual Children by Using Checklists.
8. Observing the Development of Individual Children by Using Rating Scales.
9. Observing the Development of Individual Children by Using ABC Narrative Event Sampling.
10. Classroom Portfolios and Parent Conferences.
III. OBSERVING CHILDREN, TEACHERS, INTERACTIONS, AND ENVIRONMENTS. 11. Observing Children and Teachers at Work by Using Tally Event Sampling.
12. Observing Children and Teachers at Work by Using Time Sampling.
13. Designing Observational Instruments to Use in the Early Childhood Classroom.
14. Selecting Methods to Observe, Plan, and Enrich the Physical Environment.
IV. OBSERVING CLEARLY. 15. Through the Looking Glass.
Appendix A. Preschool and Primary Grade Growth Indicators.
Appendix B. Quick Review Answers.
Glossary.
References.
Index.