Methods to Document Spontaneous Observations

Observing children as they play, learn, and socialize with others is an integral part of every early childhood educator’s daily routine. When educators “regularly observe and document brief, subtle moments of children’s learning through play, those records help parents and others understand how useful and important play is in helping children to learn and grow” (California Department of Education, 2015, p. 32-33).

Documentation can serve many purposes including;

• it makes children’s learning visible
• encourages family participating and collaboration
• supports educator planning and assessment of environment

Documentation is a process; an act of collecting, interpreting and reflecting, to support educators in their reflective planning and emergent curriculum.

This section will examine the various observation methods, tools and techniques that can be used to gather and document information about children in your care and their early learning environment. Although educators may favor one method over the other, it is recommended that you utilize several methods, tools and techniques so that you can gather a well-rounded perspective of each child.