Keeping Track Of Children's Observations

[tinkataylor]

Hi guys,

What are some of your techniques or processes that help you keep track of making sure you have observations and follow ups for everyone?

Also how do you maintain knowing what the last observation was when you get around to doing the follow up?

Thanks,

Tay

[Lorina]

I created my own table. On the left side column I have each child's name and in the top row I have sub headings such as: OB, Follow Up Added, LS Added, Photo Ob Added, Portfolio Page etc. This is laminated as I use it monthly to help me to keep track on obs, follow ups portfolios etc. I just colour in the box using a highlighter next to each child's name once I complete it. Then I rub it out and use it the next month...

Hopefully I've explained it so you understand what Im talking about.

,
L.A

[tinkataylor]

Hey thanks!

Yea i had something similar, good idea laminating too, the other thing I do is instead of highlighting I would write down the date of when I did it, our management said it would be good to do that so they can check on our obs.

Thanks again
Tay

[catchmeifucan]

I use a calender that I hang next to the program. On each date I write the child that I need to observe and then write the follow up I add onto the calender once I complete the observation itself. It's pretty handy. It helps me keep track and if I happen to be away the staff in the room just have to look on the calender to see if a child needs to be observed or a follow up needs to be done.

[tinkataylor]

So good!

Thanks heaps for replying to my posts guys, you know so much about the EYLF and more importantly how it plays out in the room.

I love coming back to this site, so much good help!

[Lorina]

I use a calender that I hang next to the program. On each date I write the child that I need to observe and then write the follow up I add onto the calender once I complete the observation itself. It's pretty handy. It helps me keep track and if I happen to be away the staff in the room just have to look on the calender to see if a child needs to be observed or a follow up needs to be done.

Fantastic Idea! Using this next time!! Thanks for sharing!

,
L.A

[Lorina]

FACEBOOK POST

We keep a table of observations and follow ups. Once an ob is done, the follow up is planned and documented on the ob. It’s then automatically placed on the weeks program that you want to do the follow up, with date of original ob and what you are planning…. Every part of the planning cycle can be viewed from that one table, where every child is listed, for the entire year. Our follow ups contain a reflection too.

[Lorina]

FACEBOOK POST

I create topic photo albums. A picture says a thousand words and can spark your memory of what was happening at that point, who was involved and gives a visual diary to help with the follow-ups and future planning into.

[Lorina]

FACEBOOK POST

We keep a table of observations and follow ups. Once an ob is done, the follow up is planned and documented on the ob. It’s then automatically placed on the weeks program that you want to do the follow up, with date of original ob and what you are planning…. Every part of the planning cycle can be viewed from that one table, where every child is listed, for the entire year. Our follow ups contain a reflection too.

[Lorina]

Keeping track of observations and follow-ups for every child can be a complex task, but with organized techniques and processes, it becomes more manageable. Here are some methods that can help:

1. Use a Tracking Table:

Create a Table: Make a table with each child's name in one column and columns for observations, follow-ups, learning stories, and other relevant notes.

Highlighting or Dates: Use a highlighter to mark completed tasks or write the date of the observation and follow-up.

2. Digital Documentation Systems:

Apps and Software: Utilize childcare documentation apps like Appsessment or other digital tools that allow you to record and track observations and follow-ups.

Notifications and Reminders: Set up notifications to remind you when follow-ups are due.

3. Calendar System:

Calendar on the Wall: Hang a calendar next to your program where you can write the child’s name and observation dates. This way, you and your team can easily see who needs to be observed or followed up on.

Digital Calendar: Use digital calendars like Google Calendar to set reminders and track observations.

4. Portfolio Method:

Individual Portfolios: Maintain individual portfolios for each child where you document observations, learning stories, and follow-ups.

Regular Review: Schedule regular review sessions to update portfolios and plan follow-ups.

5. Visual Aids:

Photo Albums: Create topic photo albums to visually capture observations. This helps recall the context and details when planning follow-ups.

Charts and Boards: Use charts and boards in the classroom to keep track of ongoing observations and follow-ups.

6. Weekly Meetings:

Team Meetings: Hold weekly meetings with your team to discuss and plan observations and follow-ups. This ensures everyone is on the same page.

Review Sessions: Include review sessions to go over the observations and decide on the next steps.

7. Reflection Logs:

Reflection Logs: Keep a log where you reflect on each observation and plan follow-ups. This can be a simple notebook or digital document.

Linking Observations: Ensure each observation links to the previous ones, creating a continuous narrative.

8. Laminated Checklists:

Laminated Checklists: Create checklists for each month with children’s names and tasks. Laminate them so you can use dry-erase markers to tick off completed tasks.

Reusable: This method allows you to reuse the checklists every month.

Hope this helps!

,
Lorina