Explained: Observations and linking them to the EYFS

[stardust]

This was a section i had to complete on my EYFS course a mini task thing.
I wrote this as this is my understanding from the courses i have done and my 5 years experience in nurseries. I got top marks and the lady asked if she would be able to use it as a hand out as i had explained it well and it was clearer than the hand out she had found to use.
Maybe it will help you guys with less experience xx


Observations and linking them to the EYFS

What is an observation??
An observation can be.......

* A photo - of pretty much anything is an observation.
The child dressing up, putting his own coat on, participating in an activity, building a tower of blocks ect

* A small peice of writing- sticky lables
For instance- Child A is playing with a cardboard tube. Child A looks through the tube, then makes sounds whilst holding the tube to his mouth, Child A the picks up a small toy car and pushes it though the tube.

* A detailed peice of writing that is over a period of time
Slightly more detailed for example watching a child for a period if time such as 10-15 minuets. During this time you will concentrate on just that one child writing down exactly what they do, what they say, how long they stay at an activity for, which hand they use ect.

* A peice of artwork- a picture, painting or peice of writing, somthing the child has made.
0-2- Could be the first picture they make using crayons or paint (enclude a sticky lable to say what the child was doing/using)
2-4- Pictures of people such as a picture of a childs family or the childs pet.
4+ - The childs writing practice, The childs name, A story that the child has written.

How do i assess an observation??
You assess an observation by looking at what you have observed, by thinking about what you could do to further the childs learning and then plan so that you can make that further learning happen.

for example
Observed
Child A is playing with a cardboard tube. Child A looks through the tube, then makes sounds whilst holding the tube to his mouth, Child A the picks up a small toy car and pushes it though the tube.

Assessed
Child A has enjoyed exploring the tube and has learned he can see through it and make noises by holding it to his mouth. Child A has also learned that he can roll a car down the tube.

EYFS AREAS
Here are a few of the EYFS areas covered by this observation.
KUW- Exploration and investigation- sometimes focus their enquiries on particular features or processes
Design and making- Are intrested in pushing and pulling things, and begin to build structures.

Child A is playing with a cardboard tube. Child A looks through the tube, then makes sounds whilst holding the tube to his mouth, Child A the picks up a small toy car and pushes it though the tube.

PD- Movement and space- express themselves through action and sound
Using equipment and materials- begin to make and manipulate objects and tools

Child A is playing with a cardboard tube. Child A looks through the tube, then makes sounds whilst holding the tube to his mouth, Child A the picks up a small toy car and pushes it though the tube.

* I have given you the Areas of learning and The sub heading and development goal can be linked to the observation.
I have than highlighted the parts of the observation that link to each development goal.

Planning
You then plan how you will further the childs development.
So you could:
Exploration and investigation- Have lots of different sized tubes and different sized cars for the child to push through the tubes

Design and making- Place a box with lots of pull and push along toys in out. The children will then be able to choose if this is something they wish to play with.

Movement and space- Play with the tubes make sounds by talking, blowing and making other noises through them. what happens id you bang them together? if you fill them with rice?

Using equipment and materials- Have lots of different sized tubes and different sized cars for the child to push through the tubes

Once you have planned your follow on activity so for example
Have lots of different sized tubes and different sized cars for the child to push through the tubes

You observe what the children do with this activity, do they join in? how long do they play for? what do they do? do they do anything that you didnt expect?

You then take this observation and assess and plan the next activity from that.
* You dont need to plan from every observation just a really good observation that you can do loads of things with.
Plan at least 1 activity per child per month so you have a development line taht shows that you are helping the children progress and use new skills.

[shazsull]

i like ,im copying,if ok ( for own use)

[sarah707]

Tara Louise I can see why your tutor was so impressed! That is a fab explanation!

[Andrea08]

well said, this is how i explain to friends... i also do a follow up obs and activity re-visited section on my obs sheet to note any changes or planning to add,

sometimes its difficult to say what our next steps /planning should be when we do am obs... sometimes i dont bother like you say its just an obs and we are looking at what a child can do and likes and doesnt always require us to interfear just allow child A ot continue maybe adding more resources and standing back is all we need to do..

well done hun xxx

[danielly124]

Fab hun could you pm it to me xxx

[miffy]

That's a good explanation - thanks for sharing

Miffy xx

[stardust]

i like ,im copying,if ok ( for own use)

Yes of course you can i wouldn't have posted it if i didn't want people to use it if they wish x

[Susana0600]

Thank you very much Tara, I really apreciate your help

[georgie456]

You are amazing!!!!!! Thankyou SO much for sharing x

[kristen_bambi]

As a new childminder expecting her first Ofsted visit while this is a brilliant explanation thank you so much for sharing

[Macca3437]

Thank you Tara, that is brilliant. No wonder you were top of the class

[zippy]

That is very clear makes it very easy to understand. I have just started up a support group for new childminders and would love to be able to copy this for them if that's ok totally understand if it isn't though

[stardust]

Hi zoe999 i have just messaged you back

[stardust]

Oh and feel free to join our childminding support facebook group x http://www.facebook.com/groups/213307542068615/

[pat75]

Thanks Tara! Its gonna help me with my observations.
Pat

[ESmith03]

Thank you for sharing this, i've been struggling to get my head round it but this has helped, Thank you

[Brown Rain]

Tara that is such a good piece and so clear & understandable, hope you don't mind me using it, as i am after all the help i can get, to keep up-to-date & understand everything in an easier way.

I have also ask to join your Childminding Support Facebook group.

Ruth & Brown Rain

[babs]

thanks for sharing ..

[Shamai]

That is unbelievably helpful, thank you so much! x

[lorraine04]

Thanks...copied!!