Observations on role play would be best displayed as a learning
story. Start with taking a photo of the equipment you set out. Then
what the children said and did, whether they naturally explored and
discovered or whether you assisted in engaging their thoughts and
imagination.
Each child will have different opinions and input into their own
play
scenario. Each child will work differently with others, some may
be more dominant, and some may be quieter and less interactive.
Completing a learning story for each child based around the same
activity will give you a written grasp on how each of them are all
so very different. Start with the same learning story beginning for
each child, Over the week record their little conversation, funny
inputs they had, how they worked with others, who they worked
with, and any comments that the parents might make as well.
This doesn’t mean you need to hover around their play with your
observations and a pen, but rather take photos, and listen join in if
they want you to.
The important and funny stuff will be easy to remember and so will
their interactions, photos will help with the rest.
I will give you a basic template for a learning story, just remember
it doesn’t have to be complex.
You will more than likely find that after a couple of goes you will
find this form of observation easy as you know the children, you
are simply providing a record of their events and how you help
them through their life to be, belong and become.
This is our set up and
what we used.
List your items
that you put out
here.....
Add a picture of the area you set up and the
items you added for the kids to explore
This is where you write about how
the child reacted when they saw the
stuff, what they did, comments they
made and who they interacted with.
Be honest, it’s part of the evaluation,
but also give the children time, to
feel confident to explore and let their
imagination flow, with some children
it could take a day or more before
they feel comfortable enough to have
a go and speak their thoughts.
That’s why I suggest setting it up and
leaving it over the course of the
week, for all children to be able to
have a go and have the time to adjust
and feel confident to do so. Sometimes children and even adults need
processing time before they will
choose to interact.
Add a picture of the
child this observation is
about interacting and
exploring the items
Add a picture of the child in the play scenario.
This is where you write what the children took from the experience.
This might be different for each child. It could be about building confidence to interact and
work with a group, for younger children, it might be sharing and language building. It could be
emotional building too. Write what you see if most important or great success to the child. But
also be on the look out for things that the children may struggle with, like basic skills that you
may be able to help them build on from this experience.
What could you do from this activity which may be led form their interest or something you would like to have a go at with
them to extend their learning or skills. It could be something s simple as Jack said why can’t we use real scissors, I would like
real scissors like my hairdresser. So I would explain why we leave hairdressing to the experts and we are just pretending, but
we can practise using scissors on paper or string.
You might find their is no where you think the child’s interest led you. They were happy joining in and playing, but feel their
is nothing needed to help their development or extend the experience form their interest, If that’s what you think, write it.
Write the most relevant outcome to the child that the observation is about.
Or write a broader statement about being, belonging or becoming.
This is our set up and
what we used.
Add a picture of the area you set up and the
items you added for the kids to explore
Jack doesn’t like the hair dresser
very much but after three days of
sitting back and watching the
other children comb hair and put
their hair up in funny styles. Jack
decided to join in as the hairdresser only. He put the escape on
me and told me to not cry. To put
my head down and sit still. While
he made noises which I later
found out was the clippers, (it
sounded like a lawnmower). He
finished quickly and looked at me
with eager eyes to see my
reaction. I said, “Wow Jack I look
beautiful, thank you so much.”
His eyes lit up with surprise this
was not the reaction, I think he
had planned on. He smiled and I
said can I pay you now, and he
went over and took my pretend
money.
Table top mirror
Combs
Brushes
Hair bands
Empty hair spray
Cash register
Large scrap book for
appointments and
pen.
Capes and hand
towels.
Hand held mirror.
Paint brush and foil.
Magazines.
rollers
Add a picture of the
child this observation is
about interacting and
exploring the items
Add a picture of the child in the play scenario.
I guess from this interaction with Jack, he feels upset and pressured by the hairdresser. Maybe the
first time, set his feeling for how it is. I think the clippers are too noisy for Jack as I know he doesn’t
like loud noises, and as he is already quite shy, someone directing him to head down and sit still would
have frightened him alot. From this experience Jack has done a lot of watching and by my reaction I
think we have planted a seed that a hairdresser can be great too. I am hoping that through role play
we have allowed Jack to grow and experience a positive side to a hairdresser visit. I have discussed
out findings with Jack’s Mum and she confirmed he hates the hairdresser, but Jack was so excited to
tell her about his day, she is going to have a go at playing this with him at home so hopefully next
time he will be less frightened.
I think we will do this role play again. And I am looking for a video that has
children visiting the hairdresser for Jack to be able to see it from another
prospective and give the children a chance to share their feelings and thoughts.
Outcome 1
Through this experience Jack had the opportunity to “be” himself, while feeling secure,
safe and supported to express his feelings about his knowledge of hairdressers. I hope we
have helped Jack to “become” more at ease with his real life experience next time.