completing an anecdotal record
anecdotal records,
running records,
daily logs,
individual journals,
and two-way journals.
As we learned earlier, observations and documentation of those observations guide a caregiver’s knowledge and understanding of a child’s behavior, development, activities, and interactions as well as helps a caregiver determine what a child needs or is interested in. They can be used in curriculum planning, setting up the environment, and communicating with parents. The documentation can also be shared with other professionals to help assess a child’s needs.
For your second observational assignment you will be completing an anecdotal record.
What is an anecdotal record:
An anecdotal record is a short, objective, descriiptive summary of one event or incident written down after the event has taken place.
Anecdotal records are simply brief stories about something that happened. Written in past tense. ( For example: He ran past the toy, then came back, to pick up the ball.)
They are useful for taking brief notes throughout the day. Record significant happenings.
Help us learn something specific about the child.
This is a very relaxed method of recording observations.
The observer does not need any special forms to fill out, no particular setting, and no time limitations.
Why do we complete anecdotal records?
Anecdotal records can provide us with a picture of what is happening for a particular child and evidence of their development.
They can be used to plan environments and curriculum.
Who:
Focus on one (1) child at a time in your observation.
Key points:
Include anecdotal records in a child’s portfolio
Written in past tense
Record significant happenings
Date each observation (In our assignment, your date will be the date that you watch the video)
Include child’s age (in our observation it might not be clear. Say “toddler”)
Be clear, concise, objective
Write developmental objective (in our case physical/motor skills) in parentheses at the end of the anecdote.
Observe:
Additional observation Youtube choices are:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42AfHO9F9Eg
If you are watching a video with 1 child just complete your anecdotal record of the 1 child. Also observe the adult in the video. Discuss what the adult is doing.
Completing the Observation:
First time, observe the video (without sound as it can be distracting to your attention) without taking notes. Watch for movements, balance, posture, facial expressions.
Observe a second time (without sound). Choose 1 child and write notes about that specific child.
Observe a third time, if needed so that you can any additional points to your observation.
Observe again until you no longer see anything new. (You may listen with sound this time)
Complete the same process for the second child in the video, if there is a second child. If there is an adult in the video, write notes about what the caregiver is doing.
Write your anecdote:
Write your brief anecdote for each child you observe.
Example: Child 1: Was climbing on the side of the stair…
Child 2: He sat on his bottom and slid down each stair…
Part 2 – Using the Observation for Planning:
Documentation can help teachers to plan for safety, curriculum, or for changes in the environment.
Are there changes that you might make to the environment that could provide children with additional safety while a child is moving up and down the stairs?
Youtube Video: If you make your observation from one of the Youtube videos: What changes might you make to the curriculum or environment to support learning?
What did the adult do (if there was one in the video) to support/scaffold learning.
