Intentionally Observing
I have been thinking more about the role that observation plays in educating our children. Observing your children is one of the most important things that you can do for them because it helps you to make educated decisions about how you approach your curriculum and your child’s learning.
I would venture a guess that you already make observations informally. You most likely would be able to describe what types of work your child gravitates toward or avoids. I’m sure you are able to list your child’s struggles and strengths. So what am I talking about? I am suggesting that you be more intentional about observing and acting on what you observe.
Create a notebook that you will keep your notes in. Record the date, time, and a description of the task at hand that you make your observations of. Take some time every day to write notes about your child’s learning. Take notice of your child’s reaction to how you presented an assignment. Observe how your child solves problems and what helps your child get unstuck when s/he encounters something difficult. 
Take notes during those times of the day that you find it difficult for you and your child to get through. Review your notes regularly – every day, every couple of days, or once a week depending on your situation. Try to find patterns in the data that you have collected. Perhaps the method that you are using to teach history is causing problems. Your child may need a movement break between lesson, Maybe your child is ready to take the math concepts you’ve been exploring to a new level. You might find out that your child is a visual learner. Look at things you should do more of, things you should do less of, and things that you want to keep the same. Then make a plan based on those observations. Be intentional about your choices. Then make more observations based on your plan.
You may be surprised by the power of the cycle of observation and planning. Your experiences in your home school will change dramatically when you take the time to really observe your child at work.
2 Responses to “Intentionally Observing”
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When we decided to “officially” home school, I did this for a whole year. Kindergarten was such a special time and I wanted to remember every minute of it. Most importantly, I wanted him to have something really special.
I consider my notebook to be a love letter to my son and to God because I always ended each entry for each day with a prayer for my son. It seemed every day, God showed me something new about my son and myself.
Haven’t thought about that in a long time! Thank you!
Maybe I should have continued that.
But it is a great thing!
Hugs!
Children also learn an amazing amount by observing. In Montessori classrooms they learn the work from watching others. At home they learn to do chores the same way they see them done. In Suzuki music they learn to play from watching their siblings and other students. Of course they might also learn stuff we’d rather they didn’t!