Learning Through Child Observation

Fawcett (early childhood studies, U. of Bristol, UK) presents 10 chapters offering techniques and perspectives on incorporating observation of children's thoughts, feelings, and ideas into professions in preschools, schools, social work, health and mental health, and other early childhood practices. Chapter topics include: views on children and childhood (including case studies) observational methods and practice, themes and lines of enquiry, preschool contexts for observation in England, observation and assessment, observation combined with reflection and documentation, and variety in the communication of meaning. Techniques stem primarily from the work of two European organizations on early childhood environments. Updates to the original 1996 edition respond to changes in UK policy and practice regarding the care and education of young children. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Mary Fawcett is an early years consultant and also an evaluator for 5x5x5=creativity, an arts-based research organisation focusing on the creative values, environments and relationships that support the expression of children's feelings, thoughts and ideas. She was formerly a social work lecturer and Director of Early Childhood Studies at the University of Bristol.