Childhood Studies Personal Statement

The observation tool provided monitors and records a variety of developmental milestones. These observations are used later as a reference to better plan the curriculum for the class. Accurately collecting this information includes an honest, unbiased record of behaviors, regular updates, and a review by other staff members trained in the observation

In an early childhood setting, being observant gives professionals and family members a helpful portrait of the children in their care, and as future professionals it helps us see how intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development occurs in children. Observing, documenting, and assessing young children shows how they progress from one stage to the next or when there is a delay in progression. The reason we observe young children is that “there is so much that demands attention and response; at the same time, by building in systematic observation, teachers can improve their teaching, construct theory, assess children, assist families, and solve problems” (Gordon and Browne, p.180). It gives dynamic information about each child’s learning styles, interests, abilities, and needs. Observation helps teachers improve teaching by making them become more objective and self-aware of biases they may have. It encourages us to remember that early childhood development is highly individualized, so customizing activities to benefit each child will help them utilize their abilities to their fullest potentials, and through this we will be able to recognize what behaviors are typical of various age groups. The reason we document our observations is so that we can keep records and show proper evidence of each child’s individual growth and participation in classroom activities. With good documentation, family members will able to see the progression made by their child.

The pediatric observation assignment allows me to observe not only about the children but also about myself. While doing this assignment, I have observed myself that I can understand the theories better when I can able to apply them practically. The developmental theories I have learned in class are reflected in this process of observation and documentation. Also, the observation assessment tool, Hawaii Early Learning Checklist helped me to observe specifically about developmental signs of the child of the assigned age range. Together with the knowledge I already have and the assist of HELP Checklist, I documented the skills, and patterns of development of the 30-months-old-preschooler-boy Isaac.

The observation was a very interesting and informative process. It gave me the opportunity to apply different theories of development. The biggest advantage of this psychological method is the opportunity to observe the subject in the natural surrounding and watch his natural behavior.

D professors, McCrary, Brown, and Dyer-Sennette. This method uses direct observation on children’s behavior to assess the classroom. It helps teachers assess a child’s behavior in the problematic contexts where unusual behaviors could occur. Then they can teach or practice the skills the child needed to overcome their unusual behavior when facing with the problem. Through this, the teachers to help the students based on their individual needs and challenging behaviors.

It is important that when Observing and recording you of selecting the appropriate method to suit desired aim of the observation it. We do observations to help look at the different areas of development i.e. physical, intellectual, emotional, and social.

Observation is very important in young children because that is how you get to know a child better. While observing how a child interacts with their peers, adults, and how they behave in different settings, you are getting to know the child without speaking to them.

It is important to observe the child carefully, closely and to listen to them in different situations to ensure that the teacher is clear about what their needs are, their strengths and difficulties. It is important to observe the

I am drawn to primary teaching from my own experiences as a pupil. Throughout my education I have been inspired, guided and challenged on a daily basis. It is this role model I now aspire to become by preparing pupils for all areas of life in a positive, creative and engaging style. I am currently studying for a PGCE with one of the largest providers of teacher training in Essex. This intensive course is delivering up to date training in all areas of primary education and has become the basis of my teaching practice.

Observation is something that educators do carefully to gain information about young children. Documentation is the process of collecting evidence that serves as a record. When teachers observe the young children, it provides the information that the teachers need to build relationships with individual children and enable them to be successful learners. The best way the teachers should learn about children by carefully watching them, listening to them and studying their work. When the teachers are watching and listening to children helps us understand what they are feeling, learning and thinking. Observation is an excellent way to track children’s

The observation made me reflect and discover the child’s interests, I could assess his developmental levels and I have observed what strategies were being used to attain their goals. After the observation I reflected upon it and realised that I have learned a lot about their personalities and skills that they need to practice.

Teachers give their time and dedication to look after the social and educational needs of children and ensure they progress and feel pleased about themselves. As a child, knowing that there is someone to care for you in an environment away from home is heart-warming. Teaching is a very challenging and rewarding career that demands a lot of time, energy and commitment. However; I am keen to take on the challenge in helping children succeed and reassure families that their children are supported in progressing in academic and life skills. I have always been deeply inspired by my primary school teacher who worked with me as a young non-speaking English student in building confidence and competence.

The observation of children is performed by teachers and educators, to help understand each child, and their characteristics. Along with assessment and evaluation, educators are able to understand each child’s development, and make decisions about appropriate activities and experience to offer each child, to help foster their individual development. (Veale, A. and Piscitelli, B. 1988) This essay will discuss the Value of the Observation Process in Planning for early childhood settings, and the role of each teacher in facilitating children’s individual learning and development.

One of the greatest pieces of advice that I have received is that if you do something that you love, you will never work a day in your life. It took me changing my major three times to find what I am truly passionate about. After I changed my major to child and family studies I enjoyed learning everyday and applying what I learned from class into the real world. The knowledge that I obtained through my classes assisted me through my experiences as a nanny, a student worker for the department of child and family studies at Tarleton, and lastly through my internship at Gladney Center for Adoption this past summer. I had thought about pursuing a MSW since I switched to child and family studies. The few social work classes I was enrolled in have been some of my favorite material. Ultimately my internship through Gladney and my passion for adoption led to my final decision to pursue a masters in social work.

The key to understanding children is observation. As observers, we begin to look for daily patterns in their behavior. Once patterns of behavior are recognized, the observer can then give positive guidance in securing the child’s developmental needs.