Doing Your Child Observation Case Study: A Step-by-Step Guide

Observation of young children, their development, and planning for next steps is a fundamental requirement of early years practice. Awareness of appropriate techniques, understanding what you are observing, as well as what it all means in terms of planning for learning is an essential yet difficult skill to acquire. This is a very practical book on observing young children that supports you in preparing a child observation case study. Taking a step-by-step approach the book covers the whole process beginning with choosing a child to study before discussing the fundamentals of child observation. It includes invaluable guidance on: The ethics of your study Appropriate techniques and tools for gathering data Observations that are useful How to select material to include Analyzing or interpreting the information Potential pitfallsThe book includes many examples of good observations, which help show how your own observations can be evaluated, analyzed and used. In addition there is a fully worked example of a child observation case study in the penultimate chapter. If you are studying early years or early childhood studies at foundation, undergraduate or Master's degree level then this book will really help you get to grips with how a good child observation study unfolds and develops. Cath Arnold works at the Pen Green Centre, an internationally renowned Children's Centre in Corby, UK. She is author of Observing Harry (Open University Press 2003). "This is a fascinating and accessible new book on child observation case study for students and professionals. Cath Arnold integrates theoretical perspectives and practical examples of observations with remarkable clarity in this comprehensive guidance to child case study." Shirley Allen, Senior Lecturer Early Childhood Studies, Middlesex University "It is quickly evident to the reader that 'Doing Your Child Observation Case Study' is steeped in the expertise and extensive experience of its author. The practical guidance it offers is likely to prove invaluable for childhood studies students and early career researchers in the field. Yet Cath Arnold's 'step-by-step guide' goes far beyond the practical. She shines vital light on the complex nuances of values, beliefs, ethics and rights inherent in child case study and addresses with clarity and credibility the crucial role that theory can play in supporting our understanding of children's actions. This text is an excellent addition to the childhood studies bookshelf." Dr Jane Murray, Centre for Education and Research, University of Northampton, UK "Cath Arnold has provided a rich resource for those who want to understand more about children, their wellbeing and their learning. This detailed approach to child observation offers guidance on why, how and what to observe, and how to interpret what is observed." Professor Cathy Nutbrown, Head of The School of Education, The University of Sheffield "'Doing Your Child Observation Case Study' shows us the way to be well informed practitioners able to offer children a really rich learning experience." Dr. Margy Whalley, Director of the Research, Development and Training Base at the Pen Green Centre and Centre for Children and their Families

Table of Contents:
Introduction – how I became involved in child study and why it might be important to study children Chapter 1 – choosing a child to study Chapter 2 – considering the ethical aspects Chapter 3 – ways of gathering and recording data Chapter 4 – making useful observations Chapter 5 – selecting material to include Chapter 6 - analysing and interpreting what the information is telling us Chapter 7 – examples of child study material Conclusion

About the Author :
Cath Arnold works at the Pen Green Centre, an internationally renowned Children's Centre near Corby, UK. She is the author of Observing Harry which published in 2003.