Observation Starter Prompts

Observation starter prompts invite educators to notice deeply, listen generously, and document with emotional intelligence. This article offers themed prompts across routines and play contexts, enabling educators to write about children's experiences without assumptions or judgment.

Cognitive & Inquiry-Based Starters

• “The child explored the materials by…”
• “They paused and looked closely at…”
• “When faced with a challenge, the child…”
• “They repeated the action and then said…”
• “The child noticed a change and responded by…”

Language & Communication Starters

• “The child initiated conversation by saying…”
• “They used gestures and sounds to express…”
• “In response to a peer, the child said…”
• “They named the object and added…”
• “The child asked a question about…”

Social & Emotional Starters

• “The child approached another and…”
• “They offered help by…”
• “When the routine changed, the child…”
• “They expressed emotion by saying…”
• “The child showed empathy when…”

 Creative Expression Starters

• “The child selected materials and began to…”
• “They described their creation as…”
• “While painting/drawing/building, the child said…”
• “They changed their approach by…”
• “The child used movement to express…”

Physical & Outdoor Play Starters

• “The child climbed/ran/jumped and then…”
• “They tested their balance by…”
• “The child moved through the space by…”
• “They used tools/equipment to…”
• “The child responded to natural elements by…”

 Infant & Toddler-Specific Starters

• “The child reached toward…”
• “They vocalized while…”
• “The child tracked movement by…”
• “They responded to touch/sound/light by…”
• “The child mirrored the adult’s action by…”

Child Voice Caption Starters

• “The child said, ‘…’ while…”
• “They looked at [object/person] and said…”
• “The child whispered…”
• “They repeated the phrase…”
• “The child asked, ‘…’ and waited for a response.”

Mealtimes & Nutrition

• “The child selected [food] and said…”
• “They explored the texture by…”
• “The child watched others and then…”
• “They expressed preference by…”
• “The child used utensils to…”

Rest & Regulation

• “The child settled into their rest space by…”
• “They chose a comfort item and…”
• “The child vocalized/yawned/moved gently before…”
• “They responded to the quiet environment by…”
• “The child expressed tiredness by saying…”

Toileting & Hygiene

• “The child approached the bathroom and…”
• “They asked for help by saying…”
• “The child washed their hands and noticed…”
• “They showed independence by…”
• “The child responded to the routine by…”

Transitions & Routines

• “The child noticed the change and…”
• “They responded to the cue by…”
• “The child expressed readiness by saying…”
• “They moved toward the next activity and…”
• “The child asked, ‘Do we go now?’ before…”

Arrival & Departure

• “The child entered the space and…”
• “They greeted others by…”
• “The child placed their belongings and said…”
• “They looked around and moved toward…”
• “The child said goodbye by…”

Group Time & Learning Circles

• “The child joined the group and…”
• “They responded to the story/song/question by…”
• “The child contributed by saying…”
• “They listened and then added…”
• “The child expressed curiosity when…”

Further Reading 

Writing Prompts and Phrases For Reports On Children
Writing Prompts For Evaluations, Reflections and Children
Summative Assessment Cheat Sheet For Educators 
Quality Area 1 Cheat Sheet