Professional Documents
Culture Documents
valuable observation, documentation, and assessment techniques, while requiring real work place experience. This class allows us to apply concepts learned throughout the Early Childhood program to create a final project that uses observation strategies and activity planning. Including this field assignment proves that not only can I effectively observe young children, but can also observe classroom settings, specifically what I see, hear, and feel.
many posters on the wall. There was a wall designated to pictures of the students in the room (this picture display was not overwhelming). What book cover images do you see? I saw an abundance of books in the literacy/book center. They had many books I had not seen before, as well as some very familiar ones. Book cover images included, The Bernstein Bears, The Hungry Catepillar, Corduroy. All books seemed positive (had positive images on the cover- children playing, ABCs, etc.) and age appropriate. What are the visible cues for keeping materials organized? Every center is labeled. Some of the objects within each centered are labeled as well. For example, in the block center, each shelf has a picture of the block that belongs within in it. The dramatic play (kitchen area) had a similar organization tool. They were drawers for utensils, bowls, and plates, and each drawer was labeled with a picture underneath. What visible cues are present for managing behavior? Throughout the room there were cues on managing behavior. There were a couple posters with various sayings, such as Be kind to your friends and Share with your friends. There was also a good behavior chart, where each child got a sticker when they followed directions during an activity or during transitions.
What do you hear? What do you hear as instruction is presented? I heard very calm and positive voices. The teacher and assistant teacher both used eye contact when giving instruction. What do you hear as children work in small groups? I heard a lot of talking while observing small group play. There were so many conversations going on, either between two children or one child speaking to the whole group. I also heard A LOT of laughter, which was so great. Do transitional activities (songs, chants, games) that teach content occur throughout the day? Throughout the day I heard a lot of transitional songs and chants. As the children arrived, the teachers sang a variety of good-morning songs. Each time there was a transition (from snack time to circle time, or center play to music time), at least one teacher would sing a song or chant. What types of child-to-child conversations do you hear? Child talked about what they had for snack, what they were going to do on the playground, what their favorite song is, what they were excited to do later in the day. Are there supportive words? The teachers were very friendly, using warm voices. They used supportive words that encouraged children to be creative and active in the classroom. Examples, Why dont you share your beautiful artwork with the class and Are you having trouble building the tower? Let me help you. Are there words that scaffold understanding of concepts? I did not notice any words that scaffolded understanding of concepts. Are there open-ended as well as closed questions? The teachers really tried to ask as many open-ended questions as they could throughout the day. What are you going to do when mommy picks you up? What color is your shirt? What book is your favorite? What do you feel? What do you feel when you are in this environment? (Is the emotional climate warm, neutral, cold?) The environment of this day care center was very positive and friendly. I felt at home when walking into the center. Although the center is in the basement of an office building, it was anything but dark and dull. The designer of the center put various light sources around the classrooms and in the reception area to create a warm and bright climate. The temperature in the center was not
freezing, nor was it too hot while I was observing. All teachers seemed very happy to be working at the center and always had a smile on their face when playing with the children. I really enjoyed observing this center because it was so beautifully designed and the environment was welcoming and positive.