observation map?

[samb]

What is the name of the type of observation where you draw a map of the setting and just log where the children access and for how long?!

[sarah707]

Time sampling??

[loocyloo]

tracking?

I haven't done one of those for years, but I used to love doing them at college! draw a map and then dotted lines to show where child went!

[Smiley]

Tracking - to see where the child goes and which areas are being used

[samb]

Yes tracking that's the one thank you! I use it quite a lot but couldn't remember the name

[Dragonfly]

No idea what this is?

[samb]

You literally draw out your room with basic things that you have in different areas. Then you use a different colour pen for each child (or just track one child) and draw a line where they go to and note how long they access something for. You can use it for all sorts.

For example if you're wondering what construction toys never get used you could put all construction toys out and monitor for say an hour of free play. You'll easily see what does and doesn't get used.

Or if you have a child that doesn't tend to mix with other children you could monitor that specifically so you can easily see who they did what with and for how long.