Early childhood teachers observe children all day. But with countless responsibilities, they sometimes think they don't have time to record children's important milestones.

Focused Observations is a comprehensive resource with realistic—and time-conscious—observation techniques that can be used in the classroom. Providing a new approach to a trusted practice, this valuable resource offers classroom-tested methods for assessing children's development, understanding their behavior, and developing a curriculum that addresses their capabilities and passions.

Extremely user-friendly, Focused Observations will provide answers to the most common questions about observation, including:

• Why should early childhood professionals observe children?
• What does effective observation look like?
• How do early childhood professions fit observation in so that it doesn't take them away from the children?
• How can observation help with curriculum planning and child assessment?

Ideal for pre-service or practicing teachers, Focused Observations also contains discussion questions, observation practice exercises, and reflection assignments. It's perfect to use with Focused Portfolios and Focused Early Learning.

Designed to work hand-in-hand with the Focused Observations book, the accompanying video contains vignettes that correlate with activities from the end of each chapter. Each vignette and activity highlights a different aspect of observation in the classroom. This book and video set is a wonderful training tool for college coursework, staff development sessions, in-service workshops, and staff meetings.