Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 1 Learning About Children 27 Why Observe Children? By observing children, you can learn about their growth and development. To observe children, you must focus on a task—what you want to learn. For example, “Are boys in the block center more often than girls, and if so, why?” As you observe, you learn more about children when using your mind to “see” more. Child development researchers often work on specifi c problems for years—even a lifetime. During your course in child development, you will receive assignments requiring observation of children. These assignments are an important part of your class for the following reasons: • Observing children will help you understand what you read in this book and what you hear about children. At the same time, what you learn from your reading and class activities will help you see more when you observe, too (Figure 1.13). What you observe will depend on the purpose of observation. Because this book looks at the sequence of children’s growth and development, you will consider these principles when you observe. • You, too, will notice behaviors that are not part of your assigned work. You will want Laws can be enacted on the local level, too. An example is a curfew law. In addition, local citizen groups often become advocates (people who actively support a cause) of children’s rights. These groups attempt to get needed laws passed and notify the appropriate people when it seems a child’s rights have been violated. Men and women who are knowledgeable about child development make excellent advocates. Observing Children Observation is the oldest, most common, and best way to learn about human behavior, including the behavior of children. You have all the equipment you need for observing—your senses. Because the senses are the main tools you use, you might think observation skills come naturally. To some extent, they do. You see and hear what goes on around you every day. It takes training, however, to interpret what you see and hear into information you can use. For this reason, many observation skills must be learned. These skills come with knowledge and practice. As an example, when you look at an X-ray or sonogram, you probably just see shadows and lines. Why would your doctor see more? With his or her training and experience, your doctor can see meaning in these images you may not notice. Child Advocate Child advocates represent the best interests of children who have been abused or neglected. They promote and protect the rights of children. Career cluster: Law, public safety, corrections, and security. Education: Educational requirements vary for each state. Training in laws regarding children in the state in which advocates practice is often required. Job outlook: Future employment opportunities for child advocates are expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. To learn more about a career as a child advocate, visit the United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook website. You will also be able to compare the job responsibilities, educational requirements, job outlook, and average pay of child advocates with similar occupations. Careers