Observation: The Key to Responsive Teaching

Observation is watching and listening to learn about individual children. When teachers observe in a purposeful and intentional way, they form better relationships with children and families and become more responsive teachers. A companion to the best-selling book The Power of Observation, this workbook guides teachers through four phases of using observation to teach responsively--asking questions; watching, listening, and recording; reflecting; and responding. Its sixteen exercises are each linked to a 3-5 minute video clip. By taking you inside real classrooms, it enables you to observe children in action as they work and play, interacting with materials, other children, and adults. Observation: The Key to Responsive Teaching is designed for Head Start, infant, toddler, preschool, and kindergarten teachers, and for family child-care providers, staff developers, and college instructors. It may be used by individual teachers or by colleagues who are working together to improve their practice. Administrators, coaches, and college instructors can use the material as part of a multi-week course or as the basis for structured staff development workshops.