Assignment: Toddler Observation
This assignment will require doing naturalistic observations, which means simply watching adults interact with toddlers (must be a child between the ages of 18 months to 36 months). Do not attempt to interact with the family or influence their behavior in any way.
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?