Child Observation

The task of observing a child in a natural setting seemed relatively simple. As an unmarried uncle with plenty of free time, I am frequently asked to observe and look after my twin ten year old niece and nephew. Most of the time I watch the children at my house or at my brother’s house, which for the most part is as natural a setting as can be found. The task of observing the children is reduced to just another enjoyable evening watching television, snacking on junk food and sitting around with the kids.

When the task involves observing a child who for the most part is unknown to us, in a natural setting which is unfamiliar to us, the activity becomes significantly more difficult. In order to observe and remain objective in our findings and conclusions we must observe on a scientific level which involves planning, set guidelines, and discipline. A basic understanding of accepted methods for observing and recording the observations is required in order to make the best use of time. In addition, a certain amount of common sense must be exercised so as not to give the wrong impression to the children and most importantly any adults present in the area while observing. Some consideration must even be given to one’s appearance in this situation. As most would agree, an observer in a park observing some unknown young children, wearing a long trench coat and sunglasses is probably destined for trouble. The final and probably most important consideration is finding an acceptable setting for observing the child.

After considering my options, I decided that observing a young student attending day-care at a local school would be an ideal setting for accomplishing this assignment. As a substitute teacher as well as softball coach on occasion at Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School in Temecula, I am familiar with the day-care staff and school procedures. I notified the day-care staff and arranged to observe in day-care on Wednesday afternoon. The day-care hours begin at 3:00 and end at 5:30. Due to the day-care environment and time constraints, I decided to observe and record my observations in a running record. Using this method of narrative recording allowed me to keep a sequential record of behavior as it occurred while documenting individual situations that had influenced the behavior. I chose a student who attends day-care on a daily basis and is picked up at 5...

... middle of paper ...

...t to the Boy I observed in this assignment based entirely on my observations I would have concluded incorrectly that the Boy was a trouble maker and class clown. In addition, he did not display any sense of focus while at his schoolwork. After speaking with Sister Ruth on the following day I found out that although he did display these characteristics at day-care he is quite focused during regular school hours and is considered to be the at the top of his class and probably the entire fifth grade when it comes to grades. He is also thought of as being exceptionally well behaved during classes and has never caused problems for his teachers.

Summary

John Donne once said “ No man is an island…” ( Devotions, 1624 ) which means that we cannot as individuals, stand alone. In order to survive and prosper we must look at ourselves as part of something big. When discussing child behavior, no single method, theory, principle or opinion is effective on it’s own. The combination of accepted theories, methods, correlations, and ideas is the key to finding effective answers and solutions.

Works Cited

Weller, Shane. John Donne-Selected Poems. New York: Dover Publications. 2003.