For this assignment you will observe one child and write your interpretation of the observations. You will observe the physical, cognitive, language, social and emotional domains of development of a child, between the ages of three to five (3-5), in order to describe each child’s characteristics[1] and needs (NAEYC 1a.). The purpose of this assignment is to assess your competency in the following areas:
Connecting theory to a child’s development
Understanding of how early development is affected by multiple influences (NAEYC 1b)
Identifying the interrelationship between developmental domains[2]
Understand unique patterns of development and supportive practices that can be used to create healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environments (NAEYC 1c.)
Part 1: Pre-Observation/Setting Notes
To provide you with context prior to your observation, answer the following:
Where are you observing the child? (home, school, playground, other)
What is the relationship between you and the child?
What is the age of the child?
Who is present during the observation?
What do you know about the contextual factors of the child (e.g. race, ethnicity, language, ability, socio-economic status, religion, community, socioeconomic factors, etc.)? Please describe these contextual factors in objective language[3] (NAEYC 2a.)
What else do you think the reader should know about the context in which this observation is taking place?