Observing Development of the Young Child

“How can we tell where children stand in their physical, cognitive, socioemotional, language, and creative development?  Do we test them?  Measure them? Compare them?”

This textbook teaches students how to become observers and how to document their findings using one tool:  The Child Development Checklist .  The author posits that the best method to determine a child’s strengths is for the teacher to observe the young child in the regular classroom based on a particular set of criteria.  The reasons for assessing children in this manner are: 

• It allows students of child development to gain an in-depth understanding of real children and their sequences of growth.
• It helps teachers of young children to become aware of each child’s growth and to support individual development with appropriate activities and materials.   

Once the child’s strengths have been assessed, the book then provides suitable lesson plans and activities to support the child’s development. 

New To This Edition:

NEW!  Presents new information on how to become an observer--How to get started, when and how long to observe, what to look for in children, and how to record.

• This is critical for new students and teachers.  (See Chapter 1 Ex. p. 9, 11, 12) 

NEW!  Suggests a lternative approaches to child assessment–These include visual documentation, i.e. art, photos, videos, and using documentation panels.

• This is Important for evaluating both children and program.  (See Chapter 1 Ex. pp 23-26).  

NEW!  Offers new information on self-esteem in young children–Explains how and why a child should develop a secure attachment relationship with a teacher.

• Sets the stage for child’s success. (See Chapter 3 Ex. pp 81-82).  

NEW!  Includes new research on the brain showing the importance of physical exercise for children–The research shows that exercises increases brain synapses that improve permanent memory development.

• Even clapping helps.  (See Chapter 6, Ex.p.267)

Janice J. Beaty is a professor emerita, Elmira College, Elmira, New York.  She is a full-time writer of early childhood college textbooks and a consultant in early childhood education from her home in Cape Coral, Florida.  Her textbooks include Skills for Preschool Teachers, Eighth Edition, 50 Early Childhood Literacy Strategies, Second Edition, 50 Early Childhood Guidance Strategies, Early Literacy in Preschool and Kindergarten, Second Edition with Linda Pratt, Building Bridges with Multicultural Picture Books, Safety in Preschool Programs, and Prosocial Guidance for the Preschool Child.  She is also engaged in a literacy mentoring program with the Foster Grandparents Program in Columbia, Missouri.