How to Observe a Child's Behavior

You may be called upon to observe a child someday, whether it be your own, a friend's or in a professional situation. You'll want to observe the child in his/her own environment and won't want to appear conspicuous. Here's how to do it.

Things You'll Need

• Notebook
• Pen

Instructions

1. Travel to the child. Be sure that you can observe the child in his or her own environment, whether that be in school, in his or her classroom, or in his or her home.

2. Act as any other visitor would. Do not tell the child you are observing that you are there to "watch" him or her. Simply arrive, introduce yourself and say that you are there to visit with the class, the parents or whomever is in the role of authority that day. This way, the child will simply go on about his or her own business and will rarely pay much attention to you.

3. Do not speak. Do not speak to the teacher, parent or person in charge. Try to blend in with the room as much as you can so that you are noticed as little as possible.

4. Do not bring anything with you. You may bring a notebook and pen, but do not bring any recording devices or any equipment that will pique the child's interest. Remember, you want to observe the child doing his own "usual" thing.

5. Do not speak directly to the child. Do not single him or her out in any way. Likewise, do not follow the child around and single him out.

6. Jot down notes. Note taking is important while observing a child. However, you do not want to draw attention to what you are doing. Simply write down what you need to, then put it down.

7. Again, it is important not to single the child out. When you are finished, simply thank the person in charge and say goodbye.

Tips & Warnings

• Observing children is fun. Remain as detached and objective as you can. Simply write down what you see, with no judgments.