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Updated April 1, 2017

Module 3: Celebrating Child Growth

Observing Children

Page 9
Observation means that the teacher is intentionally watching and listening so that they are able to learn about the children in his/her care.  
Observation is crucial to understanding children’s individual development and providing them with developmentally appropriate activities, interactions and environments.    
There are many different ways to observe children in a childcare setting.  The most widely used is the anecdotal record.  An anecdotal record is a brief narrative account usually written after the event, describing an incident of a child’s behavior that is important to the observer.      
Other forms of observation that are common but used less include:
  • Checklist – a provider can use a checklist to keep track of when a child reaches certain developmental milestones.
  • Running Record – a narrative account written by the observer detailing everything that occurs within a certain period of time.
  • Tally Event – a list that helps you know how often something is happening during the day or with a particular child.
  • Photos and videotaping – using media to capture children’s skills and strengths. 
Some programs will require you to use particular observation, screening, or assessment tools.  For example, the Head Start program may require the developmental profiles in Teaching Strategies Gold.  If you are not required to use a particular tool, it is important that you find a technique that works for you and gives you the information you need so that you can reflect and plan accordingly. ​  
Sample Observation Forms