The Power of Observation:

We gain valuable information on how we can promote their success as a learner.
NAEYC Recommendations for Assessments:
*teachers’ observations of what children say and do
*other documentation (e.g. photographs)
*collected during their play and daily activities
*used to refine how teachers plan and implement activities
Key Benefits:
- Through intentional observation of each individual child, we begin to respect and appreciate each one for his/her uniqueness and for the strengths he/she brings to the community of learners. We value the contributions of each individual child.
- Gain understanding of child’s skills in their natural environment, how they apply the knowledge in everyday exploration and use instead of in a contrived testing situation
- Ability to reflect on each child’s skills and developmental growth
- Increased ability to respond in ways that enable the children to be successful learners; turning the observations into effective instructional invitations
- Provides differentiated instruction- clearly knowing the next steps for each child
- Allows for strong relationship building- (which leads to more engaged and risk-taking learners)
- Beautiful opportunities to wonder and learn about children’s thinking
- Provides information on child’s approach to learning and their application of the knowledge instead of just ability to label or perform an isolated skill
- Fuels our desire to learn more about the learning process