observations

[Emmalou77]

I wonder if anyone can tell me what area of learning and subsection you would put for a child eating samosas for the eade celebration please? I would put it in utw but cannot find a suitable subsection, am I reading it too literally? Thanks in advance.

[sing-low]

I'd say UTW too and not worry about a sub-section.

[Emmalou77]

I could do that but I'm using the 2simple early years app which has subsections you have to select. using it means I can do obs and write up whilst caring for the children.

[sing-low]

That's why I stopped using Orbit! Put it under people and communities, then. Alternatively, PD, health and self-care. 16-26 months 'willing to try new food textures and shapes'.

[sarah707]

It is important that you do not use Early Years Outcomes as a tick list - you don't need to link every obs to a statement that's not what it is about!

it is a guide to what children might be doing / saying at around each age range and our job is to think whether they are doing / saying appropriate things or working below or above age - then we can plan for their future learning.

You will drive yourself potty if you try to find a sentence for each observation. Hugs x

[Emmalou77]

Thanks for your advice Sarah and sing low. I wanted to use the app to make life easier, unfortunately it will not let me select area of learning without selecting a subsection so it seems like a pointless tool. Guess I'll have to go back to the traditional way. :-(

[Bluebell]

Could you connect it to characteristics of learning?

Exploration - willing to have a go - being involved- etc etc

However I have to say I wouldn't worry too much about not connecting it to something.

Normally On these occasions when it doesn't quite fit a particular area I just send it to the album and if I feel I need to just write what general area its linked to in the notes. I send lots of things to the album instead of linking it to areas of learning of development or to characteristics of learning - most of the time we are just having fun and have often already covered the areas several times so don't feel I need to link them each time.

I love the app I use but don't beat myself up if I'm not linking to it all the time. Its also about providing enabling environments and positive relationships but I bet we don't always record that in our observations but by providing this kind of activity any ofsted officer would see you are providing appropriate activities.

[Emmalou77]

Good idea blue bell, I shall give it a go :-)

[loocyloo]

I was going to say the same as bluebell. Sometimes I just do the ob and once printing it out and putting it in LJ I then add the area I think is covered.
I did ask 2simple if there was a way to just add the main area but apparently it's not that simple! Email and ask them. Maybe if more of us email and ask things will get changed.

[Emmalou77]

Thank you :-)