Narrative Observations

Running Records

  Keeping running records entails documenting every word a child says within a specified time frame. Since it is being recorded as it occurs, a running record is written in the present tense. It gives a thorough account of the child's behaviours and actions during a given period. They are useful for identifying potential causes of a child's behaviour and can provide valuable insights into other developmental domains. (Meaningful Observations in Early Childhood Education and Care, n.d.) 

Reflection

a) Description of the Process

 Observing Cindy was all about paying close attention to her body language, facial expressions, and how she communicated verbally. By using the running record method, I got a clear, detailed timeline of Cindy’s actions, which helped me spot patterns in her behavior. I made sure to keep my focus on documenting things objectively, steering clear of any personal biases or interpretations during my observation phase.

b) Challenges Encountered and Solutions

   One challenge was maintaining neutrality while recording Cindy’s behaviour. It was tempting to infer her emotions and intentions, but it was essential to document only what was seen and heard. Another challenge was ensuring Cindy’s safety while also continuing observation. My first instinct was to interrupt her exit from class, but I stayed in a position where I could have intervened if needed.

c) Personal Thoughts and Emotions During:

• Child Observation

 During the observation, I felt a mix of concern and curiosity. I was interested in understanding the triggers for Cindy’s behavior and whether this pattern had been observed before. I was also concerned about her safety when she ran towards the door and needed immediate intervention.

• Information Recording

 While documenting the event, I had to remain focused on writing an unbiased and factual account. At times, I felt challenged by the need to balance observation with intervention, ensuring that Cindy’s needs were met while accurately recording her responses. The process reinforced the importance of detailed documentation for planning appropriate support strategies.

“Observation alone is not enough. We have to understand the significance of what we see, hear and touch”. John Dewey