Observation

Valerie Podmore is Associate Professor in the School of Education Studies at Victoria University College of Education in Wellington, New Zealand.Paulette Luff is Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at Anglia Ruskin University, UK, as well as the module leader for the module 'Child Observation for Learning and Research'.

"This book is an excellent resource for all those studying or working in the field of early childhood. It deals with key issues of observational processes offering a balance between theory and practical activities. It is written in a critical, engaging and informative way, with scope for interesting discussions with students, and is a useful tool for lecturers and students as in learning about observations for all involved in early childhood education."
Dr. Ioanna Palaiologou CPsychol, Lecturer, University of Hull, UK
"I find this a really useful addition to the early childhood literature on observation in early childhood settings and at home. The authors bring together observational practices in New Zealand and the UK through considering the history of each. This little book gave me great insights into curriculum approaches in New Zealand as well as endorsing some practices in the UK. I particularly welcomed the section on ethics and also the different cultural approaches to observation and the curriculum. This book is a 'must have' for anyone studying in the early years field."
Dr Cath Arnold, Early Childhood Consultant and associate of Pen Green Centre and Leicester University.
Observation is a key and underpinning skill in early years and can contribute to providing high-quality education by helping early years practitioners to understand children's strengths and interests and participate sensitively in their learning.
This book brings together ideas and information about the history, theory and practice of child observation in early childhood settings. Through considering approaches from New Zealand in parallel with insights from the practice of child observation in the UK, the book provides inspiration for respectful and appreciative approaches to observation, assessment and planning.
The book covers a range of topics including:

A comprehensive overview of the history of observation in early childhood education
A range of practical techniques, both qualitative and quantitative for practitioners
A consideration of ethics
How to record, analyse and report observational data Observation offers a stimulating array of ideas about observation and its benefits. Any practitioner or researcher using this book will find much to enhance their professional practice and is essential reading for students on early years courses from foundation degree to postgraduate Early Years Practice.

This is the UK adaption of a bestselling NZ book which looks both at historical roots of child observation, as well as various approaches to observing young children in early years settings.

Section One: The Historical and Theoretical Background
Setting the Context
Understanding Children through Observations - where do the Theories lead us?
Section Two: From Theory to Practice
Processes - how to observe
Processes - Learning and Teaching Stories
Section Three: Observation as Research
Ethics
Observational processes - how to record, analyse and report
Observing for research and practice - some key voices