Appendix 3.01H
Key Terms:
Observing Young Children
Term
Definition
General Terms
assessment
The process of observing, recording, and documenting behavior,
learning, and development
confidentiality
The practice of respecting and maintaining the privacy of
individuals and groups
developmental norm
A characteristic considered normal for people of a specific age
group
ethics
The practice of displaying positive character traits
evaluate
To make judgments
flow chart
An outline of relationships among major concepts for a
topic/theme
frequency
The total number or rate of occurrences; how many times/how
often
Observations
formal observation
An observation that occurs under controlled conditions
informal observation
An observation that occurs under less controlled conditions
naturalistic observation
Observing and recording behaviors as they occur naturally
participant observer
An observer who interacts with children while observing
objective
Recording only the facts without personal opinion or bias
subjective
Recording personal impressions and opinions
Observation Record Forms
anecdotal record
A detailed written description about a particular incident
checklist
A form on which check marks are placed beside information/behaviors
being looked for
frequency count
A count of the number of times a behavior occurs during a time period
rating scale
An evaluation of listed items using either words or numbers as ratings
running record
A detailed, step-by-step record of what happens during a time period
Appendix 3.02H
Key Terms:
Teaching Young Children
Term
Definition
General Terms
concrete
Tangible, having a visible shape or form
environment
Surroundings
motor skills
Skills that involve learning to use large and/or small muscles
objective
A statement of what is to be learned/accomplished in a learning
activity
passive
Not participating, simply observing
spontaneity
The tendency to act on impulse, to let things happen naturally
teachable moment
A time when children are ready to learn
teaching style
The way in which a teacher conducts classes
Play and Learning Materials
closed-end materials
Materials meant to be used in one way, with one intended outcome
open-ended materials
Materials that can be used in a variety of ways, with no one correct
way to play with them
manipulatives
Toys/materials that children can touch, move, or change
multi-purpose
Able to be used in a variety of ways
nontoxic
Not poisonous, not harmful
Ways Children Learn
auditory
Related to the sense of hearing; able to be heard
visual
Related to the sense of sight; able to be seen
tactile
Related to the sense of touch; able to be touched
interactive
Providing opportunities to explore and experiment
role model
A person who serves as a good example for others to imitate or learn
from
positive reinforcement
Praise, encouragement, and other actions that strengthen a behavior
Appendix 3.02H, continued
Key Terms:
Teaching Young Children
Term
Definition
More Ways Children Learn
modeling
When a person shows another person how to do something
sensory
Relating to one or more of the five senses --- seeing, touching,
hearing, smelling, and tasting
sensory perception
Use of the senses to take in and understand information
Teaching Methods
chronological grouping
Grouping together children of the same age
developmental grouping
Grouping together children of the same ability levels
family grouping
Grouping together children according to their age ranges
random grouping
Grouping with no pattern in mind; each has an equal chance to
be every group
lesson plan
A detailed, step-by-step record of what happens during a time
period
procedures
The sequence of steps in a lesson plan or learning activity
teaching technique
A method used to help children learn
transition
A short activity or method for guiding children smoothly from
one activity to another