The primary focus of this 5th edition of Observing Young Children is to promote observation and encourage pedagogically sound observational practices. Through observation and the creation of pedagogical documentation, we learn about, appreciate, and make visible the daily experiences of children: their dizzy play, their ability to create, their curiosity, their understanding of their world, their capacity for wonder, and their growth and change over time. Through the lens of appreciative inquiry and the cycle of observation, we invite students and practitioners to create a new space in their mind where they can develop transformative ways of teaching and learning with children, families, the early childhood profession, their communities, and the global village.
As students and professionals of early childhood education, you will explore and discover the world of children with this text and learn about families and communities. You will be amazed, surprised, and rewarded, for this journey is both a deeply personal and a professional process. We hope that, by studying and applying the content of these chapters and the online site, you will find a meaningful way to tell your own story, as well as the stories of children and families.

Part One: What Is Observation?
Chapter 1: An Introduction to Observation
Chapter 2: Preparing to Observe
Chapter 3: Learning to Document the Activity of Children

Part Two: How is Observation Documented?
Chapter 4: Observing and Recording Unanticipated Behaviours
Chapter 5: Observing and Recording Targeted Behaviours

Part Three: Through the Lens of Reflective, Transformative Practices
Chapter 6: Informing Pedagogical Practice through the Lens of Reflection
Chapter 7: Informing Practice through the Lens of Early Identification
Chapter 8: Reflective and Transformative: Observer as Leader

The primary focus of this 5th edition of Observing Young Children is to promote observation and encourage pedagogically sound observational practices. Through observation and the creation of pedagogical documentation, we learn about, appreciate, and make visible the daily experiences of children: their dizzy play, their ability to create, their curiosity, their understanding of their world, their capacity for wonder, and their growth and change over time. Through the lens of appreciative inquiry and the cycle of observation, we invite students and practitioners to create a new space in their mind where they can develop transformative ways of teaching and learning with children, families, the early childhood profession, their communities, and the global village. As students and professionals of early childhood education, you will explore and discover the world of children with this text and learn about families and communities. You will be amazed, surprised, and rewarded, for this journey is both a deeply personal and a professional process. We hope that, by studying and applying the content of these chapters and the online site, you will find a meaningful way to tell your own story, as well as the stories of children and families. The text includes exhibits and links to various frameworks across Canada and internationally (including the Ontario Early Learning Framework), enabling educators to draw connections between observing and pedagogical documentation and links to practice. New pedagogical tools—Chapter Overviews and Focus Questions—begin each chapter to prompt inquiry and discussion of key topics. A new colourful design, with outstanding colour photos and print, makes this edition visually interesting and engaging. An Advantages/Disadvantages section for each of the observational methods has been included in the MindTap platform to allow readers to determine which best suits their purpose for observing. The text is developmental in its approach. It is divided into three parts. Part 1 sets the stage for students with key framework concepts. Part 2 is the application section, introducing a wide variety of observational tools and how they can be used in the observation cycle and portfolios. Part 3 is the lens of reflective, transformative practices, including early intervention and early identification. The text speaks to the actual writing process: the documentation of actual observations. In doing so, the text also acknowledges students with learning disabilities, English Language Learners, and mature students returning to school after some time away. In combination with a new video series, students have a great opportunity to practice and gain confidence in their writing skills. The fifth edition is bountiful in its current, relevant, and exciting research and resources. The authors have taken great patience to balance theory and practice, to point out key concepts and then provide clear, relevant examples. Students will benefit from the well-organized and applied examples that go beyond simple lists and lists of methods Testimonials bring insights and wisdom from experienced Early Childhood Educators. MindTap for Observing Young Children is a personalized teaching experience with engaging assignments that help students connect concepts to the real world. Critical thinking is encouraged through analysis, application, and reflection.