There are three main types of observations for early childhood education: anecdotal records, event sampling, and checklists. Anecdotal records involve writing short narratives about specific observed incidents, with the goal of documenting a child's growth and behavior over time. When taking anecdotal records, educators should record details like the date, child's age, developmental characteristics, and happenings, and keep the record factual, objective, and concise. Educators then review observation information to identify themes, examine needs, and develop individualized education programs that support each child's development.

1. Observations
ED 120

2. Types of observations
• Anecdotal Records
• Event Sampling
• Checklist

3. Anecdotal Records
• A short, concise narrative summarizing a directly observed
incident.
• The aim of anecdotal records is to note significant and
ongoing evidence of a child’s growth and behavior
• Provide documentation

4. Guidelines
• Developmental characteristics (SPLICE)
• Significant happenings
• Record as soon as possible
• Begin with date of observation and age of individual
• Be factual, objective and concise
• Enter the finished anecdote in confidential file

5. Questions for Planning
• What did you specifically see?
• How would you name the essence of this experience for this
child?
• What does the child know how to do?

6. • What does the child find frustrating?
• How does the child feel about himself or herself?

7. What do you do with the
results?
• Review the information to make connections, find
themes, examine gaps, and develop a program that supports
the needs and interest of the child.

8. • Share findings and insights with
the child, the family, and the
team to better help the child
grow and develop.

9. • Reflective practice – seek out information that will answer
questions and support a child or group of children.
McDonald, 2011
Created by Joanne