Transforming and Teaching: Observing and Documenting the Learning and Care of Young Children

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Examine methods of observing, documenting and planning care and curriculum experiences for young children as both an art and a skill.
   
   • Realize that observing young children is an art (personal influences and perceptions) as well as a set of skills, which require constant practice
   • Be able to select the appropriate methods of observing a young child in a situation
   • Recognize the components of observation skills
   • Consider the impact of the environment on the young child
   • Connect the observation to planning an individual emergent curriculum for the young child
   • Use the documentation as a means of scaffolding the current interests of the child into new learning experiences
   • Use documentation panels to communicate with the children, other staff, families and the community.
2. Develop a deep respect for young children and curiosity about their experience of childhood.
   • Reawaken the ability to observe with all senses
   • Practice seeing details of children’s sensory explorations
   • Learn from children’s use of senses to explore and understand their world.
3. Understand the connection between being aware of each child and the pedagogy of co-constructing quality learning experiences.
   • Practice seeing the details of how the young child uses open materials
   • Learn from the child’s interests and connection with their world
   • Examine the significance of power, adventure, drama and challenge
   • Use the principles and practices of emergent curriculum.
4. Develop an image of each child as competent and inquisitive about their world.
   • Practice seeing the young child from the child’s perspective
   • See each child as a unique individual capable of fully experiencing their life.
5. Reflect upon the connection between observing a child, theories of child development and individualized emergent curriculum.
   • Understand the connection between the child’s interests and their development
   • Understand the connection between the child’s interest and emergent curriculum.
6. Understand the principles of care and learning.
   • Understand current theories of holistic infant and toddler development
   • Foster learning and development during care giving routines
   • Understand attachment theory and strategies used by caregivers to ease transitions from home to centre
   • Understand that child care is practiced from a family-centred approach.
7. Understand the importance of aesthetic age-appropriate learning environments.
   • Design and discuss an aesthetic learning environment appropriate to young children
   • Describe the role of play as a learning medium for young children.
8. Develop attitudes and skills of guiding young children in a sensitive and caring manner.
   • Select from a range of positive guidance methods, an appropriate strategy for guiding young children
   • Guide each child in a respectful manner
   • Use preventative and/or problem solving measures wherever possible.