The task of observing a child in a natural setting seemed relatively simple.
As an unmarried uncle with plenty of free time, I am frequently asked to observe and look after my twin ten year old niece and nephew. Most of the time I watch the children at my house or at my brother’s house, which for the most part is as natural a setting as can be found. The task of observing the children is reduced to just another enjoyable evening watching television, snacking on junk food and sitting around with the kids. When the task involves observing a child who for the most part is unknown to us, in a natural setting which is unfamiliar to us, the activity becomes significantly more difficult. In order to observe and remain objective in our findings and conclusions we must observe on a scientific level which involves planning, set guidelines, and discipline. A basic understanding of accepted methods for observing and recording the observations is required in order to make the best use of time.
In addition, a certain amount of common sense must be exercised so as not to give the wrong impression to the children and most importantly any adults present in the area while observing. Some consideration must even be given to one’s appearance in this situation. As most would agree, an observer in a park observing some unknown young children, wearing a long trench coat and sunglasses is probably destined for trouble. The final and probably most important consideration is finding an acceptable setting for observing the child.
After considering my options, I decided that observing a young student attending day-care at a local school would be an ideal setting for accomplishing this assignment. As a substitute teacher as well as softball coach on occasion at Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School in Temecula, I am familiar with the day-care staff and school procedures. I notified the day-care staff and arranged to observe in day-care on Wednesday afternoon. The day-care hours begin at 3:00 and end at 5:30. Due to the day-care environment and time constraints, I decided to observe and record my observations in a running record.
Using this method of narrative recording allowed me to keep a sequential record of behavior as it occurred while documenting individual situations that had influenced the behavior. I chose a student who attends day-care on a daily basis and is picked up at 5:00 consistently, thus assuring me that the child is familiar with day-care and would be observed in as natural a setting as possible. I selected a boy of around 10 years old for my observational study. For purposes of identification throughout this exercise, I will refer to the observed student as the Boy. A Running Record of Observed Behavior3:05 The Boy arrives at day-care escorted by home room teacher and is checked in along with 12 additional students of varying ages.
3:10 After several minutes of standard check-in confusion, all students are asked to take seats and begin homework. The Boy sits down but clowns with friend sitting directlyacross the table and continues acting up while opening books. 3:14 Sister Ruth ( day-care teacher ) walks over to the Boy and friend, and threatens to separatethe two of them for the day. Both sit very still while holding back laughter and glance at the books seemingly attempting only to appease Sister Ruth temporarily andavoid the inevitable separation. 3:20 Sister Ruth is releasing a student to a parent which allows the Boy and friend to once againclown.
Several minutes of quiet clowning go by until Sister Ruth once again focuses herattention on the duo, and with a wave of her hand, gestures for them to separate. They both laugh until she gets up and begins to approach them. Before she takes two steps,the friend quickly gathers his books and papers and within seconds, gets up and takes a seat two tables away. The Boy is now seated alone at the end of the table. He smilesat the friend and several classmates, puts his head on the table and decides to at least make a .
