Take a Look: Observation and Portfolio Assessment in Early Childhood, 7th edition

A practical and accessible introduction to early childhood observation methods.

Take A Look: Observation and Portfolio Assessment in Early Childhood has been praised for its practical approach, clarity, and ease of use. Its detailed coverage of observation methods leads the reader to develop skills in seeing, recording, understanding, and assessing the development of young children. These essential skills are presented both within a culturally-sensitive framework and with an emphasis on the complexities and importance of the reader's role.

Hallmark features of this title

• Taking a Special Look boxes give information on how to observe children with special needs.
• Observation Samples demonstrate good practice for the core observational and recording methods. Each sample includes pertinent questions to help students appreciate the strengths and challenges of each sample.
• Provides a focused approach to authentic assessment consistent with current research and exemplary practice.

New and updated features of this title

• Colour photographs including a wider variety of children in different settings (including a children at a Forest School, at international locations, First Nations children, a Jewish Montessori school, homeschooled children, Syrian Refugee children in BC, outdoor environments, children’s art, home childcare, sport, YMCA child care centres, Waldorf Schools, infants and toddlers, children who have special needs/rights, UK Pupil Profiles, Learning Stories, and Teen parent program)
• New chapter on observing children through the lens of play featuring detailed observable indicators of a wide number of areas of play * this is not covered in other texts
• Increased emphasis on the vision/image of the child and how that shapes how they observe. A chart of various alternative ‘visions’ is offered in this edition. Also emphasis on practice within authentic assessment. Even though many practitioners may not use that term, their practice fits certain values, and conforms to observation practices that are respectful and culturally appropriate.