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Observing Young Children
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Observing Young Children



November 2014 | 176 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

This is a book about the process of finding user-friendly and purposeful ways of observing and planning that will help those who are working with young children in a variety of settings to look with insight at children, providing what they need in order to develop and learn optimally. By examining the historic background of observing and planning, and describing examples of good practice in different group settings, this book will help to monitor a child's progress - what is needed now and to work out what is needed next. 

The real life case studies from various settings including day care, nursery school, primary school, private sector and Soweto examine different observation techniques, looking at their strengths, drawbacks and use in everyday practice. Examples from the UK and internationally illustrate the history and importance of observation in a range of contexts, while a glossary clearly explains the key terminology. All the examples given in this book can be used with different National Framework documents worldwide, bearing in mind however the authors' belief that curriculum frameworks must be used as a resource and never as a limiting straitjacket. 

Drawing on key theory and research, the book's chapters cover: 

  • Flexible planning
  • Record keeping
  • Working with parents
  • Using technology.

Full colour photographs, illustrations and useful charts and diagrams make this an accessible and engaging resource that will no doubt be invaluable to any early years practitioner. This book was originally published as Getting to Know You - part of the 0-8 series.  

 
Why keep records?
 
What works in observation and record-keeping?
 
Working together
 
From baby to toddler
 
Using schemas as a lens
 
Working with children with autism
 
Parents and partners
 
Observing and planning in the Foundation Stage
 
Observation as a way of adapting practice
 
Reflections

'This is a timely new book, which a wide range of early years practitioners will find accessible. I strongly support its principled focus on working collaboratively with families, the way it values children’s experiences, and its practical suggestions for developing high-quality, manageable systems to record assessments. I look forward to using this book with newly-qualified and more experienced staff.'

Dr Julian Grenier
Headteacher, Sheringham Nursery School and Children’s Centre

The Froebel Trust warmly welcomes the publication of “Observing Young Children”.  Admirably clear and eminently practical, the book is under-pinned and suffused with Froebel’s principles and demonstrates their application to the central skill of observation to the benefit of both practitioners and parents.

Duncan H Jackman
Chief Executive, The Froebel Trust

Good structure including visuals, milestones, links to EYFS and examples of different observational methods.

Mrs Dawn Burnham
Early Years, Farnborough College of Technology
July 15, 2019

Links well to course content

Mrs Terrie Blaszczyk
Froebel College, Roehampton University
August 31, 2017

an excellent book for Higher level students.This book has all the relevant information related to observing children in an early years setting.

Mrs Donna Kathleen O'Connor
Early, North West Regional College
July 18, 2015

A useful guide for H.E. students who are new to the sector, as well as a higher level refresher for those already qualified.

Mrs Caroline Marshall
Education, Gloucester college
September 13, 2016

The script is easy to navigate with good practical examples to support understanding. A good theory base supports learner understanding of different types of observation.

Mrs leanne Hall
Care and Education, Tyne Metropolitan College
September 1, 2016

A very useful text for addressing the importance of observation, and examining 'what' observation is all about. The case studies are really useful in assessing what can be achieved from observations, and it aids the necessity of presenting observational evidence to monitor learning and progress.

Mrs Nicola Sperrin
Education and Community, University College Birmingham
March 18, 2016

Excellent, comprehensive, contemporary and accessible, a great resource.

Ms Caroline Brooks
Learning and Teaching Institute, Sheffield Hallam University
October 28, 2015

An excellent resource to compliment Foundation Degree childcare programmes, that looks at the importance of observing young children and the different ways assessments can be done to inform future practice.

Mrs MINE TANA
HESC Office, Barnet College
July 6, 2015

For instructors

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Paperback
ISBN: 9781446285817
£28.99

Hardcover
ISBN: 9781446285800
£94.00

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