The Early Years Learning Environment

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.

This assignment is based upon my understanding of child development and children’s learning, considering the curriculum for the Early Years and the curriculum for the Early Years Foundation Stage/Key Stage One. I propose to outline a rationale for effectively continuing children’s learning, from the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage into Year One and include strategies to support transitions, effective curriculum delivery and links between the EYFS and the National Curriculum. Throughout the assignment I will refer not only in general but also to how my research has help me as a practitioner help my setting to effectively continue children’s learning.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the statutory framework that sets the standards that all early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children are ready for school and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills t hat provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life. The Early years foundation stage was introduced in 2008 and sets out one standard framework for learning, development and care for all children from birth to the foundation year.

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 order to apply theories and models of child development to support children’s development we must get to know each individual child by building a good relationship with the children through play, communication and answering to their personal needs. Observation and assessment is also key so that we know what each child is capable of and what they are working towards/could be encouraged towards. Good communication with parents is also beneficial as it helps the carer to see what the child is doing at home and to identify if there are things they do or don’t do at nursery that is different from home. It also helps to work out ways of encouraging development at home and at nursery.

It is important to observe the development of a child. Observations provide a plethora of valuable information. First, observations can indicate a child’s progress. Observations can also indicate perceptions of how a child feels about others and their self. Observations can also identify a child’s weaknesses, strengths, and their behavior patterns. There are numerous ways to assess child development. One way is known as authentic assessment. An authentic assessment occurs when one is observing a child in their natural setting.

The Early years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a piece of frame work that relates to children from birth to

These can be carried out formally and informally.   Information from observations on a pupil’s progress is passed onto the teacher who will then report it to the parent/carer.

*A unique child- Every child is different who is always developing who never gives up has high self esteem, and believes in themselves.

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.

The legal status and principles of the Early Years Foundation stage is used with children aged from birth to five years. The Government have outlined three primary and four specific areas and seventeen early learning goals that they think are important to a child’s development and planning is used to meet a child’s individual needs.

This type of observation needs some planning, as the observer needs to keep an eye on the children. A sheet is prepared with the times marked out. At the each of the times on the sheet, the observer watches what the child is doing. It is possible to record the activity of more than one child.

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

8. Practise! The best way to develop your skills at observing children’s development, learning and behaviour is to do observations on a regular basis.

Observing their own behavior, in addition to set their own limits, extends to the understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses (Costa, 2016). Become an observer of their own behavior tells the children what they can do and the level of the skills that they must achieved. Once identified the skills and weaknesses, the children develop more likely to take responsibility for their actions (Costa, 2016). To this point, the teacher can allow the child to participate in the discussion of his behavior. If the child is an active participant of his conduct, it is most likely to achieve the cooperation of the child in the implementation and development of his behavior.