Focused Observations : How to Observe Young Children for Assessment and Curriculum Planning

New edition of foundational book on observation!

Intentional teaching begins with focused observations and systematic documentation of children's learning and development. Focused Observations, Third Edition, explains why observation is one of the best methods to get to know each child well, track progress, and plan individualized curriculum. It also provides tools and techniques to help you strengthen your observations, create portfolios with rich documentation, and support each child. You will also learn how to share your findings with families and grow as an observer through review and reflection activities. Learn answers to common questions about observation, including 

• Why should I use observation in my classroom? 
• What does effective observation and documentation look like? 
• How do I fit observation in so that it doesn't take away from teaching and interacting with children? 
• How do observation and documentation work with early learning guidelines? 

Online videos with nineteen vignettes of children in action provide opportunities to practice observing children and capturing what you see. This updated edition includes new examples and provider anecdotes as well as fresh references and research. 

Gaye Gronlund, MA, is an early childhood consultant and trains educators, administrators, and policy makers across the country. She is a former preschool, kindergarten, and primary teacher of both regular and special education. Gaye holds a master's degree in adult learning and early childhood education. She is the author of Saving Play, Focused Observations, Early Learning Standards and Staff Development, and Developmentally Appropriate Play.

Marlyn James was the early childhood program director and the education department chair at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, Montana. With more than 30 years in the early childhood field, Marlyn worked as a preschool teacher and center director and with infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. Marlyn presented workshops at the local, state, and national levels. She held a master's degree in human development from Pacific Oaks College.