The Power of Observation with Toddlers: An Investigation of Music

Article Link: http://stage.exchangepress.com/article/the-power-of-observation-with-toddlers-an-investigation-of-music/5020357/

Observation is a simple yet powerful tool that allows teachers to discover the desires, needs, and interests of a child. Beyond planning for immediate needs, taking time to observe for the deeper meaning of a child’s interactions with people, objects, and their environment provides
opportunity not only to enhance curriculum but for teachers to engage in reflective practice.

Key Observations

Educators understand the complexities of time, routines, curriculum planning, and developmentally appropriate practices associated with toddlers. What educators may not fully take advantage of �" to reduce these complexities �" is the power of observation:

• To discover the desires, needs, and interests of a child.
• To learn the deeper meaning of a child’s interactions with people, objects, and their environment.
• To enhance curriculum.
• To engage in reflective practice.
• To see children’s intent in action.
• To see the child for the unique individual he or she is in the classroom and at home.
• To understand and include children’s home experiences, cultures, and beliefs.
• To connect children’s past experiences into current learning to make these more meaningful and long lasting.

Toddler Communication

When simple observation does not seem to yield the results desired, teachers must let ...