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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

Very practically based with examples from different settings- this will support students to critically analyse their own practices.

Mrs Lynn Taylor
CSS, Northbrook College Sussex
June 25, 2015

Useful book for a wide range of early years courses.

Mrs Nicola Stobbs
Institute of Education, Worcester University
June 18, 2015

This is a valuable text book for Foundation Degree in Early Years Students to use in Module 3 The Developing Child. It is easy to read, very informative and has some good case studies, visual aids and strategies that can be used when observing a child.

Mr Denise Nannetti
Education (Stevenage), North Herts College
June 10, 2015

A very helpful book for early years practitioners who want to step up their assessment practices.

Mrs Anna Colgan
Higher Education, Banbury and Bicester College
June 2, 2015

Excellent resource to support units for the HND course focussing on the value of using a range of observation techniques.
The students made good use of this book during their research.

Mrs Angela Mahon
Vocational Education , Manchester College of Arts & Techn.
May 20, 2015

This book is essential for the level 3 EYE course as it has all the relevant information related to observing children in an early years setting. The book is designed at a good level and links made to EYFS very well.

Mrs Kerry Clayton
Childcare, The Maltings College
May 14, 2015

This book is a really good read, very infomative with interesting chapters covering a variety of topics relating to observations.

Mrs Sarah Collyer
Childcare Department, Brooklands College
May 6, 2015

a little complex for some levels, but a useful supplementary book

Dr Jackie Musgrave
centre for early childhood, Worcester University
April 29, 2015

Great text - easy to follow for students from level 4 to level 6. Critical learning activities are valuable and support the links between the practice and the theory.

Mrs Michelle Rogers
Centre for Early Childhood, University of Worcester
April 29, 2015

useful guide for students studying child observation. Clear explanations of methods and links to relevant theories.

Mrs Kara Durn
Education Department, Barnfield College, Luton
April 23, 2015

For instructors

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Paperback
ISBN: 9781446285817
£28.99

Hardcover
ISBN: 9781446285800
£94.00

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