Why Observe Children?

02/09/2017

I believe finally, that education must be conceived as a continuing reconstruction of experience; that the process and the goal of education are one and the same thing.
John Dewey, philosopher and educational reformer, 1859-1952

"If you have kept your pad and pencil as steady companions and recorded one or two children over a period of time, engaged in varied activities, alone and with others, by now you have a treasured collection," writes Nancy Balaban in the Exchange CEU course Observing Children.

"These observational records give authenticity to the conferences you hold with parents. In anticipation of a meeting with a parent, take records that document the child’s interests, friendships, and approach to learning."

"The records you make will lead you to improve your teaching through the process of examining your own behavior as well as by sharing your records with others and by getting to know the children in your group as individuals and group members."

"You will be able to step aside from your own point of view to see children as they are. These records will also help you understand children whose culture is different from your own. Observing and recording helps all teachers refine their practice by getting close to the children they teach."

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