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Child Observation
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Child Observation
A Guide for Students of Early Childhood

Fourth Edition


October 2019 | 296 pages | Learning Matters
This is a key text that enables students to appreciate and understand the central role of observation in understanding, planning for and educating early years children. It explores the theoretical background to child observation and links it back to practice. Recent important research in the field of child observation is highlighted and ethical implications of research in early childhood are considered. This is essential for all those studying for degrees and foundation degrees in early childhood, early years and related disciplines and for Early Years Teacher candidates. 

  • Updated in line with recent policy and legislation changes
  • A new chapter on observation documentation in the multi-modal age
  • Includes new material and case studies that explores the essential elements of child observation across the world
  • Research chapter re-written to make it more accessible for all students
  • More case studies throughout linking theory to practice.

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    Chapter 1 – Observation in the policy context
     
    Chapter 2 – Observation and pedagogy
     
    Chapter 3 – Becoming and observer
     
    Chapter 4 – Unstructured (participant) observation
     
    Chapter 5 – Structured observations
     
    Chapter 6 – Semi-structured observations
     
    Chapter 7 - Analysing and documenting
     
    Chapter 8- Observation documentation in the multi-modal age
     
    Chapter 9- Ethical implications
     
    Chapter 10- Observing development and learning
     
    Chapter 11- Observing for curriculum
     
    Chapter 12- Observing for research

    Great for using at level 4 with the play and observation assessment - allows for scenarios to be used with the class. An essential book for level 4. Awaiting our LRC to purchase this.

    Mrs karen Cooke
    Sport and Public Services, The Manchester College
    August 31, 2022

    A super book that is clear and concise, I would highly recommend this copy

    Professor Becky Ovenden
    Health and Life Sciences, Wiltshire College
    June 30, 2022

    Very useful and informative text - main course reader for observation module

    Mrs Terrie Blaszczyk
    Froebel College, Roehampton University
    September 10, 2020

    Gives students a good understanding of observation for both practice and research

    Mrs philippa thompson
    Education, Sheffield Hallam University
    November 12, 2020

    Excellent resource for Early Childhood Studies students, embracing the multitudinous facets of observation in a clear and concise manner.

    Miss Louise Stafford
    Department of Education, Oxford Brookes University
    November 26, 2019

    This book is especially useful for students who are studying to the Early Childhood Studies in years 1 and 3. It is particularly positive to see that this edition contains recent research that shows a blend of multimodal methods of capturing young children's observations.

    Dr Gina Sherwood
    School of Education and Sociology (EDSOC), Portsmouth University
    October 21, 2019

    A wide ranging introduction to the rudiments of observation that clearly meets the needs of new teachers.

    Dr Paul Demetriou-Crane
    Education, Havering College of FE And HE
    August 19, 2019

    Enjoyed the easy read of this book and it is applicable for ALL levels of student studying child development. Have informed our library to purchase 3 books.

    Mrs Susan Wakeham
    Health, Social Care & Early Years Dept, Warwickshire College
    December 2, 2019

    A really appropriate text for students on an early years programme who have to undertake observations as part of their practice module. I like the way that if combines theory and philosophical ideas alongside more practical based ideas of observation techniques. The layout is 'student friendly' with a mixture of case studies , 'boxes' and activities.

    Mrs Deborah Harris
    Department of Education, Newman University
    December 10, 2019
    Key features
    • Updated in line with recent policy and legislation changes
    • A new chapter helps students understand the context of early childhood in England and elsewhere
    • Material that explores the essential elements of child observation that are important across the world
    • International case studies
    • Research chapter re-written to make it more accessible for all students
    • More new case studies throughout linking theory to practice

    For instructors

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