Anecdotal Observation
Anecdotal
Observations
it’s all about seeing
RRC ECE Workplace
October 20, 2005
Workplace EC E Program
Anecdotal Observation Resource
1
About Anecdotal Records
1. What are they?
Anecdote: - a short story
- a sketch
- an illustration
(J. I. Rodale, Th e Syno nym Finder (1978) Ro dale Press)
Anecdote: - a brief account of an important developmental event (Billman, 1996, pg. 19).
Anecdotal Record:
- “The written account or word picture of one episode in the child’s life” (Draper, 1977, pg 10).
2. Why use them?
Anecdotal records are a handy way to capture children’s spontaneous and natural behaviours. They can be used:
• To record children’s behaviour and play – as it occurs in their natural environment.
• To record children’s level of development.
Workplace EC E Program
Anecdotal Observation Resource
2
• To better understand individual interests and needs of children. • To form the basis for planning and implementing experiences that will enhance each child’s development and extend each child’s learning.
Advantages of Anecdotal Records
Very little preparation is required – you need only a pen and paper. The behaviour observed is unanticipated.
Samplings of behaviour over a period of time provide a rich reserve of information about a child – where the child is at developmentally in all domains.
A full range of typical behaviours are likely to be captured since the child is participating in familiar surroundings.
(Wylie, 1999, pg. 93, 94)
Workplace EC E Program
Anecdotal Observation Resource
3
3. How to document anecdotal records
An anecdotal record tells an interesting story. This story must be written in such a way that it is completely clear to the reader.
“Stories are inherently interesting, and all cultures use them to communicate information.” (Billman, 1996, pg. 19).
While each ECE Workplace anecdotal record assignment will look for content specific to the Com Pac in which
Observations
it’s all about seeing
RRC ECE Workplace
October 20, 2005
Workplace EC E Program
Anecdotal Observation Resource
1
About Anecdotal Records
1. What are they?
Anecdote: - a short story
- a sketch
- an illustration
(J. I. Rodale, Th e Syno nym Finder (1978) Ro dale Press)
Anecdote: - a brief account of an important developmental event (Billman, 1996, pg. 19).
Anecdotal Record:
- “The written account or word picture of one episode in the child’s life” (Draper, 1977, pg 10).
2. Why use them?
Anecdotal records are a handy way to capture children’s spontaneous and natural behaviours. They can be used:
• To record children’s behaviour and play – as it occurs in their natural environment.
• To record children’s level of development.
Workplace EC E Program
Anecdotal Observation Resource
2
• To better understand individual interests and needs of children. • To form the basis for planning and implementing experiences that will enhance each child’s development and extend each child’s learning.
Advantages of Anecdotal Records
Very little preparation is required – you need only a pen and paper. The behaviour observed is unanticipated.
Samplings of behaviour over a period of time provide a rich reserve of information about a child – where the child is at developmentally in all domains.
A full range of typical behaviours are likely to be captured since the child is participating in familiar surroundings.
(Wylie, 1999, pg. 93, 94)
Workplace EC E Program
Anecdotal Observation Resource
3
3. How to document anecdotal records
An anecdotal record tells an interesting story. This story must be written in such a way that it is completely clear to the reader.
“Stories are inherently interesting, and all cultures use them to communicate information.” (Billman, 1996, pg. 19).
While each ECE Workplace anecdotal record assignment will look for content specific to the Com Pac in which
References: Billman, J., & Sherman, J. (1996). Observation and participation in early childhood settings: A practicum guide Draper, H. E., & Draper, M.W. (1977). Studying children: Observing & participating Rodale, J. I. (1978).The synonym finder. Rodale Press. Wylie, S. (1999). Observing young children: A guide for early childhood educators in Canada Billman, J., & Sherman, J. (1996). Observation and participation in early childhood settings: A practicum guide Curtis, D. & Carter, M. (2000). The art of awareness: How observation can transform your teaching Draper, H. E., & Draper, M.W. (1977). Studying children: Observing & participating Rodale, J. I. (1978).The synonym finder. Rodale Press. (2003). Play at the center of the curriculum. Upper Saddle River, Ohio: Merrill Prentice Hall. Wylie, S. (1999). Observing young children: A guide for early childhood educators in Canada