Learning Through Child Observation

Learning Through Child Observation is a handbook designed for anyone working or preparing to work with young children and their families in any kind of setting, whether in education/care, social work or health, in both the independent and public sectors. Focusing on the professional's need to recognise fully the child's developmental and emotional state when they intervene, this accessible text helps students acquire and improve the skills needed both in the collection of evidence through observation and in the use of that material. Throughout the book two principles are emphasised: the need to see children `holistically' and as unique individuals; and to understand them in their wider context of family, community and culture. An introductory chapter explores the complexity of provision for children and families, and further chapters highlight such issues as: the value of observation the evolving theories of child development the practical aspects and methods of observational study the analysis of observation sessions and explorations of themes the uses of observation in asessment the planning of course programmes

Table of Contents:
Introduction. 1. Why Observation Matters. 2. Changing Views of Child Observation. Historical Perspectives. Contemporary Views of Child Development. The Observer's Views of Children and Development. 3. Pre-school Settings: The Context for Observation. Introduction. Local Authority Day Nurseries. Family Centres. Nursery Schools and Classes. Independent Private Schools. Playgroups. Parent and Toddler Groups. Childminders. Private Nurseries. Pre-school in Sweden: A Comparative Note. 4. Observational Methods and Practice. Setting Up an Observation: Recording Methods. Setting Up an Observation: Contacting a Pre-school Group and Selecting a Child. Carrying out an observation. Observation in a Home Setting. Conclusion of a Series of Observational Visits. Evaluation of Observational Visits. 5. Child Observations: Exploring Themes. Underlying Principles of Development. A Holistic View of the Developing Child. Themes Concerning Development. A Sample of Other Themes. 6. Observation as a Tool for Assessment. Interprofessional Perspectives. . Teaching and Child Observation. Learning objectives. Teaching observation skills. Possible models for child observation on social work course programmes.

About the Author :
Mary Fawcett is Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Bristol. She was formerly an Early Years Lecturer in the School of Education at the University of East Anglia, and is a founder member of STAR (Support and Training Against Racism for Under Fives' Workers and Parents).

Review :
... will be of assistance to many who wish to argue for the importance of child observation. Fawcett's emphasis on the need to avoid rushing to conclusions and to keep a clear focus on the child is extremely helpful. The detailed and practical discussion of setting up certain kinds of observation and the associated seminars will also be useful. This slim and readable volume would serve as an eminently practical `how-to' handbook for trainees of any discipline embarking upon child observation in any context. This easily readable book reminds anyone working with children that they are to be seen as 'living individuals'... embedded in society, and meaningful members of a cultural group. The book provides a wealth of excellent examples for developing and improving the necessary skills to observe children in context. Mary Fawcett's practical guidance on the collection of evidence and the use of that material is highly informative, irrespective of the area of child study in which the reader is engaged.