Observe adults and toddlers interacting in a public setting (grocery store, park, shopping mall, toy store).
OBSERVE THREE DIFFERENT CHILDREN, AGES 18 mos-36 mos. (CAN BE THREE DIFFERENT SETTINGS; OR, ALL THE SAME SETTING BUT DIFFERENT CHILDREN).
Discuss the following in your three DOUBLE SPACED, TYPED observations (essay format)
(3 observations):
¨ Child and Setting
· The approximate ages and genders of the children
· Describe the location of the observation and the time of day
¨ Describe each child interaction between the adult and child.
Reflect on EACH the following questions:
¨ How are the toddlers trying to exert power over the adult? How does the adult react?
¨ What signs of developing autonomy are the toddlers displaying (negativity, exploration, self-help skills, a sense of possession)? How does the child display this sign(s)?
¨ How does the adult support the child in feeling competent? What else might the adult do to allow the toddlers to experience success?