29.1: Introduction

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Amanda Taintor

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Introduction to Observation

What is observation? One online dictionary (Dictionary.com,2019) gives the following definitions for observation (noun):

An act or instance of noticing or perceiving
An act or instance of regarding attentively or watching
The faculty or habit of observing or noticing
The information or record secured by such an act

Observation informs responsive care and teaching practices, learning experiences, environments, routines, and schedules.[1]

There is more to observing than watching what infants do, though. Observing involves focus and purpose. Stetson, Jablon, and Dombro (2009) defined observation as "watching and listening to learn about individual children" (Stetson et al., 2009). Caregivers watch and listen to children and families to learn about each child's development and figure out how each child is learning. Many describe observation as paying close attention to a child's behaviors, interactions, activities, and interests and noticing all aspects of the child's development (National Infant & Toddler Child Care Initiative, 2010). Both definitions stress the importance of observing to learn.

Whether we realize it or not, we constantly observe when working with infants, toddlers, and families. For many caregivers, observation becomes second nature, part of what we do. We regularly take in information, and consciously or not, these observations inform our work and interactions.[2]

[1] U.S Department of Health and Human Services ECLKC Child observation: The heart of individualizing responsive care for infants and toddlers is in the public domain

[2] U.S Department of Health and Human Services ECLKC Look at Me! Using Focused Child Observation with Infants and Toddlers is in the public domain.