Lesson 12: Child Observation, Lesson Plan and Implementation

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able

  • Complete the use of the checklist to assess children
  • Use the checklist to inform lesson planning
  • Implement lesson plan that was created based on checklist findings
  • Reflect upon observation as a technique to gather data and improve practice
  • Explain the pros and cons of using a checklist

Teaching

The numbers of children with special needs in early care are rising.  Some of the children are receiving services but a lot of them are not.  One of the reasons that observing and assessing is SO IMPORTANT in early education is because that is how we determine if a child will need services. The soon we can determine that a child needs early intervention, the higher the chances of success are for the child. 

For this observation you will observe a child with a special need.  If there is not a child with a diagnosis at your site then talk to the site mentor about who might be a good fit for this exercise and why.

Before observing the child, first find out if the site uses any checklists for observing (ex: ASQ).  If the site already has checklists then use theirs.  If not, then you may choose one from the list provided.  Also before observing the child, review the checklist and make notes about what you think may be a challenge to find out.  Checklists may seem like an easy tool but sometimes they can take time to fill out based on what the child is doing, resistance and time.

Some programs use a checklist for an initial assessment on children and then will use the information to determine the platform for planning and future observations.  This is an easy tool to use but a big responsibility to assure you are checking off the correct boxes.  The boxes also do not inform the interaction and can be closed in nature, meaning you can only observe what is stated in the checklist.

When using the checklist, be thinking about how it would be helpful to write down notes (BUT DON’T DO IT) so that you can accurately paint the picture of what is happening.

Developmental Milestones Checklist 0-3 PDF | MS Word

Developmental Milestones Checklist 3-8 PDF | MS Word

Math/Science Checklist PDF | MS Word

Assessment

These Lesson Plans are "Universal" in that they are used for both our face-to-face and Online course offerings. The instructions for the "Discussions" found in this section are for the Online classes only unless otherwise indicated by your Instructor.

Lesson 12 Assignment

You will be using the Anecdotal Form and the Lesson Plan Form for this assignment.

  1. Part 1: Observation and Planning

    A key component to your Practicum experience is to engage in the process of observing, planning, implementing and reflecting on lessons.

    Below you will find instructions on each step of this process. During the First part of this assignment you will first, complete an observation. At the end of the observation in the space provided you will reflect upon your observation using the prompts below. You will then use this observation process to create a lesson plan. You will be using specific forms that we have created to do this.

    • Observation
      • Using the anecdotal form provided, observe a specific child for 20 minutes.
      • In the comments section of the anecdotal recording form, jot down specific examples.
      • From your observation, what do you think the child is interested in or could use more support in? 
      • What activity will you create to support that interest or skill you observed?
    • Planning
      • Create a lesson plan using the lesson plan format provided
        • Assure that the lesson plan is derived from the observation you took! Use the lesson plan rubric to guide you and assure your work is complete.
        • Check with your cooperating teacher and/or instructor to see if it is a good fit for your placement.

    Put all of these documents together and submit them to the "Lesson 12 Assignment - Part 1" Drop Box

    Part 2: Implementation

    You will be using the Reflection Form in this assignment.

    In this second part of the assignment you are expected to actually implement the Lesson Plan you created in the first part.

    • Implement the Lesson Plan
      • Be sure to check with your cooperating teacher on a time and day!
      • Also check with the cooperating teacher to be sure this is a fit for teh curriculum.
      • It is possible that you will be observed (or recorded) during one or all of your lesson plans. Be prepared!
    • Complete reflection/analysis using the format provided.

    Submit this to the "Lesson 12 Assignment - Part 2" Drop Box

Lesson 12 Discussion

Read Chapter 22 in Swinging Pendulums (pgs. 103-110).

Do you think that Kozol is correct when he says that the teacher behavior is a secret curriculum?