Observation of
Early Childhood Daycare
Observation is watching without intervention or
judgement. I decided for this blog to
observe a local daycare center during outside playtime.
1. Children
lined up at door by command of teacher.
2. Children walked in line to the play center across
the walkway with the teacher in the lead.
3. The teacher is direct with no allowance for
discussion.
4. Children released to play within play area why
teachers outlined the playground.
5. Children screaming, playing, running, laughing,
smiling.
6. Teachers chatting while observing students.
7. Child fell and cried, teacher witnessed but waited
just a bit and then approached the child smiling encouraging them to get up on
their own, which he did.
8. Teacher cheered child on and he ran to play.
9. After 10 minutes children called by whistle to line
up at gate.
10. All students lined up except 2 girls playing in
sand.
11. Teacher approached and nicely helped them to the
line.
12. Teacher led students into the building.
13. Children quietly entered building.
I noticed that the
teachers were organized, well attentive and caring. Students listened and responded well to the teacher’s
commands.
Teachers’
communication strategies aided to the postivie self worth of the child. The child responding positively to the
teachers showed a good relationship between the teacher and child.
As an instructor I
also strive to be positively instructive with the understanding from the child
that I am in charge and they can rely on me to be their support person. Listening to children shows them they are
worth the attention and they will rely and respect you. This common respect will help the academic
relationship to excel.
Hi Deana, That was an interesting post as it reminded me of the sound of movie with captain calling his children with a whistle. I really do not like the idea of using a whistle for children ,personally i feel like it dehumanizes them. Do we go about in the real society whislting to people to gain their attention? No, and I know some teachers think it is cool. However, there is a rationale for every action maybe if this teacher explained the effect and reason for using a whistle it would change my opinion.
ReplyDeleteMary,
DeleteI certainly understand what you are saying about the whistle and I USED to feel that way also, however my voice doesn't "carry" like some and I was straining my voice just to gather my students thus I turned to the whistle to get their attention and to save my voice. This teacher I observed was soft spoken as well and she only blew the whistle to short blasts to basically say "look over here", once it was done she raised her hand with a smile at the gate and the children all fell in line. I have seen others use the whistle in excess and blasting it extremely loud and long and as a discipline such as to blow it "at" the kids when they are doing something wrong...in that case I do think its dehumanizing them a bit and bringing undesired attention from everyone to that child.
Thanks so much for commenting on my blog!
Deana,
ReplyDeleteIt is important for teachers to establish rules and communication with students. Teachers have to deal with a large number of students, so it is important to keep them organized. As a result, I agree that the teachers did a good job.
Tammy, Thanks so much for commenting on my blog. Rules and communication do establish a routine and expectations. I thought their procedures were organized, secure, and caring.
DeleteDeana,
ReplyDeleteTeachers deal with a number of children year after year and no one child is the same. It is important that teachers establish rules up front so that the children will become accustom to the daily routine. It is also important to have effective and positive communication with the children at all times helping to build teacher/child relationships.
Deana,
ReplyDeleteYou were very brave to observe children during recess. When I take my students out for recess, I encounter the same thing expect for when it is time to come in. Sometimes I experience meltdowns :-), but that is because it is time for a nap. I too strive to have this type of control over my class ALL of the time no matter if it is nap time or not. Your comment of "respect will help the academic relationship to excel", is so true. Thanks for sharing.