Explorations Early Learning

Promoting play, defending childhood, and empowering caregivers.

Explorations Early Learning


Supporting Play And Learning Through Observation

Supporting Play And Learning Through Observation

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 these sources (affiliate links):

  • 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