Explorations Early Learning

Promoting play, defending childhood, and empowering caregivers.

Explorations Early Learning

Supporting Play And Learning Through Observation

11/18/2025 | Supporting Play And Learning Through Observation

Date And Time: 11/18/2025 7:00pm Central Time
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This session looks at supporting children’s play by becoming a more tuned-in and systematic observer. We’ll discuss why stepping back and watching children at play is important. We’ll also look at how (and when) to use a collection of free observation tools we’ve made available on the Playvolution HQ website.

$20.00 $16.00
Save 20% | Offer Ends 01/01/2025

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Supporting Play And Learning Through Observation
Contact Jeff About This Training
Training Topics

Description

This session looks at supporting children’s play by becoming a more tuned-in and systematic observer. We’ll discuss why stepping back and watching children at play is important. We’ll also look at how (and when) to use a collection of free observation tools we’ve made available on the Playvolution HQ website.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will:

  • Understand why becoming a better observer will help them support children’s play and learning
  • Become familiar with how to use observation tools to better understand what they observe
  • Understand how to use their observations to make adjustments to their play space

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Use A Broad Repertoire Of Teaching Skills And Strategies For Learning
  • Nebraska | Planning Learning Experiences And Curriculum
  • Oklahoma | Learning Environments And Curriculum
  • South Dakota | Learning Environments
  • Wisconsin | Learning Experiences, Strategies, And Curriculum
  • CDA | Advancing Children’s Physical And Intellectual Development

Clock Hours

Available in 60 and 90-minute formats

Agenda 

This is the breakdown for the 60-minute version of the session (affiliate links):

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
The Value Of Observation15 minutesDiscussion
Observation Tool Overview35 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Resources

This session is based in part on content from my books:

  • Let Them Play
  • Let’s Play
  • Let’s All Play

Content Level

Beginner / Intermediate

Age Group Focus

  • Toddlers (12 months to 36 months)
  • Preschool (36 months to 5 years)
  • School Age (5 years to 12 years)
  • Adults

Target Audience

  • Family Child Care Providers
  • Child Care Center Teachers
  • Child Care Center Directors
  • Head Start Teachers
  • Head Start Administrators
  • Early Head Start Teachers
  • Service Coordination Staff
  • Technical Assistance Specialists
  • Home Visitors
  • Parents

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