The Art of Awareness, Second Edition: How Observation Can Transform Your Teaching

The art of observing children is more than merely the act of watching them—it is also using what you see and hear to craft new opportunities in your classroom. This resource provides a wealth of inspiration and practice. It will help you learn to observe in new ways. You’ll witness children’s remarkable competencies as they experience childhood, and find new joy in your work with children.

This book includes
Ten study sessions to help you advance your skills and practice observing children from different points of view
Stories, photographs, and classroom reflections modeling the ways observation can be used and displayed in your own teaching
Activities to help you notice and appreciate what you see
New ideas and strategies to organize your observations, share them with colleagues and families, and apply them to planning and assessment processes
Emphasis on cultural awareness, observing through an objective lens, and using technology as an observation tool

By learning the art and skill of observation, you can change your teaching for the better.

Deb Curtis and Margie Carter are popular presenters at early childhood conferences, professional development speakers, and on-site consultants. They have written several books together, including Learning Together with Young Children and Designs for Living and Learning.

Deb Curtis: Deb Curtis is an experienced infant/toddler caregiver, preschool and school-age child care teacher, CDA trainer, Head Start education coordinator, college instructor, and assistant director of a child care program. Deb now works directly with children in classroom settings. She holds a master's degree in human development from Pacific Oaks College.

Margie Carter: Margie Carter is an experienced preschool, kindergarten, and primary school teacher; curriculum developer; High/Scope trainer; child care director; and college instructor. In the last decade, Margie has focused her attention on working with directors to develop strong administrative systems that support reflective teaching. Margie holds a master's degree in human development and leadership from Pacific Oaks College.

Together, Margie Carter and Deb Curtis have designed and taught college-level classes, worked side by side with classroom teachers, produced professional development videos, and coauthored seven Redleaf Press books. They cofounded Harvest Resources in 1994 as a partnership to inspire early care providers and educators to engage fully in their own learning. They are regular writers for Child Care Information Exchange and contributors to other publications. Deb and Margie travel extensively across North America, Australia, and New Zealand to teach and to consult with early childhood programs.