Infant/Toddler Observation

  This observation task is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to apply Child Development concepts and terminology. It is not intended to be an assessment of the child's abilities or behavior. Here are two youtube clips. One is a mobile infant at home, and the other is an older toddler in a child care center.The target child in the second one is the little guy in the blue shirt. Each is less than 10 minutes. Choose one and use the observation worksheet to describe what you see. Try not to interpret, but describe. Avoid language such "she seems to be sad/happy...." Rather, say "she cries, laughs" etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDMrAYhzOdg#t=29&ab_channel=tracyreb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nQxWCn_dBg&ab_channel=hatfieldmomof3

A Word version of the template is linked in the module, just below the assignment. It is writable - you can type directly into the form. If you would prefer to create your own table, that is also fine. Feel free to use multiple examples. For clarification, please go to the contents and Activities forum!

The  right column is for terminology specific to the study of child development. There is a glossary in the text, and definitions in the margins, both provide good examples. Sometimes it is easier to review the terminology, and then find examples in the video.

Be particularly careful to place the activity and terminology in the correct developmental domain.  Of course, there is overlap where a particular behavior shows aspects of multiple domains. For example, a baby moving toward a caregiver when stressed has elements of motor behavior, and of social/emotional behavior.

This assignment can be brief, as long as it is accurate.