44 Part One Children in Today’s World
Guidelines for Observations
Guidelines Details About Guidelines
Know your
objectives.
Objectives tell us
what age children to observe
what type of activity to observe
where to observe (in some cases)
how much time to spend observing
what type of records to keep
Obtain
permission to
observe.
In public places (a park or shopping center), you may observe children without
permission. Parents or other adults are more cooperative, however, when they
know what you are doing. Explain that you will keep children’s names or other
information confi dential.
To observe in private places (homes or child care programs), you will need prior
approval from your teacher and permission from the adult at the home or program.
Observe only on dates and times approved by your teacher. If observing in a
home, call the day before to be sure the time is still convenient for the parent.
Know what to do
at the site.
Remember, you are an invited guest.
Always introduce yourself and state your purpose.
Try not to distract children or adults from their activities. Move quietly, and
do not talk unless you are working with the children.
Thank the parent or teacher when leaving.
Sites also have different procedures. At some sites, you observe in an
observation room looking through a one-way mirror. At other sites, you may
help with the children. In still other sites, you sit away from the children. Find
out in advance what you will be expected to do.
Ask staff members
questions at
convenient times.
Never interrupt a staff member engaged with children or an adult.
Be sure
observations
do not distract
children from
regular activities.
Get acquainted with the children and setting before observing.
Unless asked to help, do not get any closer to the children than
necessary. (When making language observations, however, you must be
close.) Do not smile at children or wear jewelry or clothing that will distract
them. If children come to you, answer them briefl y but encourage them to
return to their activities.
Avoid talking directly to children, including giving hints about how to do an
activity.
Your objectives should never interfere with the program objectives.
Observe carefully
and objectively.
Observations require intense mental activity. You want to watch closely so you
can remember the situation vividly. Many situations can affect objectivity, such
as distractions, fatigue, or discomfort. Biases also affect objectivity. For these
reasons, observers should not study their own children or children of close
friends or relatives.
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Care must be taken when doing observations.
(Continued.)