Full Description
This practical guide presents a clear step-by-step approach to observation, assessment and planning in early years and primary education with one powerful aim: to ensure that no child goes unseen. It transforms observation from a paperwork task into a meaningful way of understanding children's learning through a simple "What? So What? Now What?" framework.
Drawing on classroom experience and years of mentoring educators, the book combines clear explanations with real-life examples and reflective prompts. It guides readers through noticing and recording children's learning, making sense of observations, and planning responsive next steps.
Chapters cover:
· The "What, So What, Now What" observation process and what this looks like in practice
· Observing learning outdoors
· Embedding observation in daily practice
· Linking involvement, wellbeing and learning
· Making assessment work in practice including effective use of AI
· Planning and creating the conditions for responsive practice
Offering a fresh approach to observation that moves beyond tick-boxes and encourages authentic engagement with children's thinking and development, this is an essential resource for students on Early Childhood and Primary Education courses and practicing educators.
Contents
Contents
Acknowledgements
About Me
Introduction
1. Observation as a Pedagogical Tool: Adopting the What, So What, Now What process
as an observation tool
2. Why Observation Matters: Why this Approach Matters
3. Beginning the Process: What? The Observation Stage
4. Choosing the Right Tools: Getting the Balance Right
5. Observing Learning Outdoors
6. Embedding Observation in Daily Practice: Who, When, Where and How
7. Managing the Process of Observation within a Large Group
8. Linking Involvement, Wellbeing and Learning
9. The Heart of the Process: So What? The Assessment Stage
10. Making Assessment Work in Practice: When, How Often, Who and How to Write Well
11. AI in Assessment: A Support for Practice, Not a Substitute for Thinking
12. NOW WHAT? The Planning and Development Stage
13. What is Planning? Creating the Conditions for Responsive Practice
14. Bringing It All Together: Translating Observation into Whole-Class Planning
15. Observation and Evaluation: Two Lenses, One Purpose
16. Conclusion
Appendix 1 Note-lets for Collecting Observations
Appendix 2 Blank Assessment Proformas
Appendix 3 Completed Assessment Proformas
Appendix 4 Blank Group Plan
Appendix 5 Completed Group Plan
References
