We define observation as watching to learn. Observing provides the information you need to build relationships with individual children and enable them to be successful learners. We learn about children by carefully watching them, listening to them, and studying their work. Watching and listening to children help us understand what they are feeling, learning, and thinking.

By Judy R. Jablon, Amy Laura Dombro and Margo L. Dichtelmiller

Judy Jablon, M.S.,is a nationally recognized educator and author with more than 30 years of experience in early childhood and primary education. Originally a teacher, Judy is grounded in theory and practice that emphasize child development, observation,critical thinking and experiential learning. In her role as early childhood consultant, Judy provides facilitation, leadership coaching and training to a wide range of educational institutions and agencies. She has co-authored numerous publications, most recently Teaching Strategies’ new DVD, The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool in Action.

Amy Laura Dombro, M.S., is author of numerous articles and books for teachers and families of babies and toddlers. Former head of the Infant and Family Center at Bank Street College of Education, Amy works with national organizations and community leaders to create tools for change. This may involve “translating” information so it is engaging and easy to use, or documenting the story of a change initiative and lessons learned. She is an author of Teaching Strategies’ Caring for Infants and Toddlers.

Margo L. Dichetmiller, Ph.D., is Associate Professor at Eastern Michigan University where her interests include assessing young children, integrating standards in early childhood teaching, and working with diverse families. She is a developer of the Work Sampling System; an author of The Ounce Scale (an infanttoddler assessment) User’s Guide; and a consultant working with Head Start programs, state-funded preschool programs and departments of education.

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