Observations

[Guest]

I have a question about observation and different methods, I am a student so still on a big learning curve.

 

I'm on a placement and there is a child there who has such a quiet voice that I really struggle to hear them when they are speaking, even when they are speaking directly to me and I am on their level I still don't always hear them ( this is the same with other practitioners)

 

How can I do some different observations of this child? If I sit near them they just smile at me and stop talking, I'm trying not to intrude but I need to be close to hear them.

 

All help gratefully appreciated, many thanks in advance.

[AnonyMouse_3307]

Hi.You could teach them how to use a recorder - then leave it in places where they play?

Video from a distance? Join in their play so they are not seeing you as "an observer" but just a playmate. Have a look at the work of Anna Ephgrave around this approach to sustained shared thinking and teaching.

Cx

[AnonyMouse_11396]

Often children find their voice when given the time to explore particular tools. We have found our quietest children do this when we have the karaoke machine out. The microphone seems to give them the confidence to have a go

We also have recordable pegs and message boxes. This might also help them project their voice.

Just play and interact, observations will come in time I'm sure.

[Guest]

You guys are great, thanks!

 

I will see if there are any recorders that I could use/leave around. This child is also very petite, so I think they just have a high pitched voice that is not very loud. They will be 5 soon but wear 2/3 clothes. It just makes writing down what they say very difficult, which I guess is just one of those things to think differently about. (I hope that makes sense). I will keep trying to integrate myself into their play but they just smile at me and turn away/move on. I guess it's just one of those things where time will play a part.

 

Thanks again

[AnonyMouse_29641]

Not really about observing quiet children, but as an aside, my Mr Eleven Tomorrow was practically mute throughout nursery and reception, and only really started to be heard in Yr3. This year, both he and the little girl he got about silently with, have put their hands up for speaking parts in their Leavers' Play. Can't tell you how my heart swells at this. H

[Guest]

I have been known to hide near children so that they won't clam up when i'm near. Also I have found that if i appear to be doing something else other than observing (eg. cutting something out) near them, they carry on. It's sitting there with a notebook/clipboard that encourages them to clam up. You can always write up the observation later.

deb