Purpose: The purpose of this observation project is to develop your ability as a keen observer of the vast developmental diversity in children.

There is not a discrete line that separates children who are “able” from children who are “disabled”. Rather, there are wide ranges of developmental abilities that children exhibit, some requiring a greater level of support/assistance than others. Children may appear “able” in one setting, but less “able” in another. Children may appear “able” in one subject area, and less “able” in another.

Logistics:

You will need to arrange an observation of at least 2 hours. You will select an age level to observe; preschool K, elementary, or secondary. While at the school, you will need to span your 2 hour observation to include TWO settings: both a physical/interactive setting (PE, lunch, recess) and a classroom setting. In addition, the setting must include children both with and without disabilities.

What will you be watching for?

You will be watching and taking notes to illustrate and describe the diversity that you observe in children’s abilities and styles in each of the three following areas:

– Physical development

– Cognitive and linguistic development

– Social/emotional development

Do not forget that there is a great deal of diversity within the group of “typically developing” children. The diversity is not only between typically developing children and children with special needs!

THE PROMPT IS IN THE FILES SECTION BELOW! No plagarism please and use really good grammar!