Clearing Your Lens Activity - used for our Class Discussion on Perception

In your textbook authors write:

What do you bring to observing that helps you tune into the special qualities of each child and build a responsive relationship? What else do you bring that keeps you at a distance and gets in the way of building a relationship.

Defining the key terms used in Observational technique helps keep them clear.

Bias:(Noun) Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair. (Verb) Show prejudice for or against (someone or something) unfairly

Example: Any person who does not like spiders is unevolved and silly.

Subjective Observation: a collection of data based on what you think you see. It is observation that contains personal opinions and interpretations of what the child is doing. It is going in to the inside of a child and making assumptions about what he or she is thinking or feeling.

Example: The spider is ugly and scary.

Objective Observation: a collection of data based on what is observable. This is similar to a camera. No opinion or interpretation of what is observed, just what is observed. Therefore, unless a child tells you with his words he is feelings you do not know. You can observe a smile, laughter but not happy and joy; that would be a subjective observation. Your observational data must stay on the external actions of the child, not internal feelings.

Example: The spider has 8 legs and fine hair on its abdomen.

Interpretations of Objective Data - once the objective data has been collected. They the observer can review all of the information and interpret what has been observed. The exercise of Interpretation is still Objective and based on an educated understanding of what is seen. (Why a deep knowledge of child Development is so key). It is important not to confuse Interpretation with Subjective Observation. They are 2 different things. Below is an example of taking a Running Record Observation (Objective) then reviewing the information to interpret what was observed.

https://elcamino.instructuremedia.com/embed/ef616c5b-8406-49a8-a904-6d5deface112

This activity will be included in your weekly Class Discussion

First Create a list of words that you would use to help remain objective in an observation.

1. Below is a link to a template for a pair of eyeglasses. Print the template (or draw one by hand if needed)
2. Decorate the glasses, to add your own swerve.
3. On the glasses write the list of words on your list above
4. Take a picture and share your creation as part of Class Discussion

eyeglasses-oval.pdf