In the assignment, I will write formal observation of one child (3-5 years old). During the observation you will take detailed notes of what the child does and says and how the child interacts with materials and other people in the environment.Based on those notes, you willwrite each section ofthe Observation InterpretationPaper:GeneralDescription,ObservationNarrative (without interpretation,ObservationAnalysis (with interpretation),ContextualFactors,Recommendations, andReflection.Please be sure tocarefullyread the directions for each section of the paperbefore you begin.

ObservationParameters

For your observation,pleaseobserve:

One child aged 3-5 years

In a naturalistic setting or a licensed early childhood program

For one hour or longer

Observation Interpretation Paper

The goal ofthe paper,istointerpret1and analyzethe observed behaviorbased on what you have learned aboutlanguage development in relation to the other domains of development includingsocial, emotional, physical and cognitive developmentthrough play.This papershould clearly demonstrate your ability to useresponsiblyobservationas anappropriate assessmenttool2.

To write the paper, pleaseuse thesixheadingsbelowas headings in your paper. Based on yourobservationnotes and readings from class, writedetailedinformation tocompleteeach section.To earn full points for this assignment,all sixsections belowmust be completedin detail so please be sure to read each sectionof the assignment and the rubric carefully.

NOTE:Developing observation skills is essential to your success as a Child Development student, but also as an Early Childhood Educator in the field. It's a very practical skill which is why thistype of observationisassigned in many Child Development courses. Please take your time towork througheach part of the assignment.Your instructor will help you,so please feel free to ask questions any time you need clarification or support.

General Description

Setting: 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 language3

What else do you think the reader should know about the context in which this observation is taking place?

Observation Narrative (Description without interpretation)

This section should only include a detailed description of what you observed. In this section, do not include your interpretations or analysis of what the behaviors mean. Do not include contextual informationoryourpersonalcommentary.In reading this section, I should be able to"see"what you observed because the description is detailed.

Using objective language, write what you observed. Describe what you saw the child do and say in detail.

Be sure to write what happened in sequential order so the reader can understand what happened from beginning to end.

Developmental Analysis (Interpretation)

Evidence:For this analysis, please explain how each observed behavior is connected to developmental terms and concepts.Be sure tocite the specific behavior from your observation notes and explain how it is connected to developmental terms and concepts from course readings/resources.As you analyze each observedbehavior, pleasebe sure to referto your course readingsas evidence to support your analysis. Cite your source using APA format.

Using objective language, describe specific behaviors you observed and noted in the observation narrative, and explain howthose behaviorsrelate to the domains of development: physical, cognitive, language, social/emotional, and play.Be sure to cite developmental terms and concepts from your readings.(NAEYC 1a)

Provide detailed and specific examples, based on what you observed, in which the child has met or notyetmetage-relatedmilestones for language development.(NAEYC 3b)

Contextual Factors

Using evidence from the observationand using objective language,please explain how multiple contextual factors such as cultural and linguistic contexts, family structure, community characteristics, and the child's individual characteristics may influence the child's development. (NAEYC 1b)

Using astrengths-basedapproach, describe how at leastone (1) contextual factor (e.g. race, ethnicity, language, ability, socio-economic status, religion, community, society) may influencethe observed child'sphysical and mental health, well-being, and nutrition.What contextual factors might be considered protective?Your description must berespectful of diverse family and community characteristics.(NAEYC 2a)

Recommendations:Although assessment can be a positive tool for early childhood professionals, it has also been used in inappropriate and harmful ways. It is important that we understand and practiceresponsible assessmentthat supports children and is not used to exclude them or deny them services.When you write your recommendations below, please be sure tobe responsible andbaseyour recommendationson evidence from your analysis and noton your personal opinion.

Based on evidence from your observation, what activities or assistance would likely promote positive outcomes for this child? (NAEYC 3c)

Reflection

"Effective teaching of young children begins with thoughtful, appreciative, systematic observation and documentation of each child's unique qualities, strengths, and needs. Observation gives insight into how young children develop and respond to opportunities and obstacles in their lives. Observing young children in classrooms, homes, and communities helps [us] develop a broad sense of who children areas individuals, as group members, as family members, as members of cultural and linguistic communities" (NAEYC Professional Preparation Standards 2010).

Reflect on the experience of doing this observation assignment. From your perspective, what is the benefit of using observation as a method for learning about a child's development?(NAEYC 3a)