Observation is essential to scientific thinking: observation leads to asking ques- tions which in turn leads to scientific investiga- tion and research. The following activities are designed to help them develop observation skills. Notice evidence of students bringing prior knowledge to play in their descriptions.

Observation consists of receiving knowledge of the outside world through our senses, or recording information using scientific tools and instruments. Any data recorded during an experiment can be called an observation.

The definition of an observation is the act of noticing something or a judgment or inference from something seen or experienced. An example of observation is the watching of Haley’s Comet. An example of observation is making the statement that a teacher is proficient from watching him teach several times. noun.

Begin your paper with an introduction of the subject. Talk about what you observed, where you observed it, when you observed it, why you chose the subject and any other information you can think to include.

Focus on what the child is doing and avoid using judgemental language. For example: good, silly, excellent (this doesn’t describe what’s happening). Be Factual – describe only what actually happened. Be Relevant – include details of direct quotes and information about the context of the observation.

Start with a specific focus.

1. Pick an infant or toddler in your care to observe and make notes about what you see.
2. Focus on a specific domain or goal to understand how the child interacts with peers or family, or when exploring objects.
3. Use a checklist or other form to help you observe and track development.

From birth through to early childhood, children use their senses to explore and try to make sense of the world around them. They do this by touching, tasting, smelling, seeing, moving and hearing.

Sand is a great way to get textures into the hands of children with sensory issues. Sand play increases sensory skills, fine motor skills, hand eye coordination, creativity, and language development.

7 fun sensory play ideas to encourage your child’s development

1. Make moon sand. Mix 1 cup brown sugar with 1 cup corn flour and 5 tbsp vegetable oil.
2. Create with your eyes closed.
3. Thread all the things.
4. Whip up sensory soup.
5. Name that smell.
6. Paint with toys.
7. Be a bathtub Banksy.

Sensory play ideas and activities

• Create a sensory bin. It’s simple for children to enjoy sensory play when you create a sensory bin for them to explore.
• Playing with food.
• Sound tubes.
• Play dough.
• Balance beam.
• Calming bottles.
• Sandbox.
• Swing, swing, swing.

Water play develops motor skills and sensory exploration Children enhance their gross motor skills, coordination and physical fitness through lifting, pouring, carrying, running and splashing, while actions such as squeezing help to develop the small muscles in a child’s hands.