Child Observation Report

Observer: Olivia Brown
Date: October 15, 2024
Child: Liam Parker
Age: 5 years old
Observation Duration: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Sunshine Daycare Center, Playroom

Purpose: The purpose of this observation was to assess Liam’s social interactions, play behavior, and emotional responses during a typical morning play session.

Setting and Activities:
Liam was observed in the playroom, which contained various stations including a building block area, a pretend play kitchen, and a reading corner. There were six other children of similar age in the room, along with two caregivers supervising.

Observation Details:
At 10:00 AM, Liam entered the playroom and immediately joined two children at the building block station. He chose blocks to build a tower, occasionally looking at the others’ structures for inspiration. He communicated openly, asking another child to pass him a block and praising their creations. He seemed engaged and comfortable, showing cooperative play skills.

Around 10:20 AM, Liam moved to the pretend kitchen area. He spent some time “cooking” and pretended to serve food to a peer, displaying imaginative play. He engaged with two other children, suggesting what dishes they should make, and they followed his lead. During this time, he appeared cheerful and used expressive language to describe the food they were making.

At 10:45 AM, Liam showed interest in the reading corner, picking up a book and flipping through pages alone. Although initially quiet, he eventually invited a nearby child to join him, pointing out pictures and describing them in his own words. He was observed listening and reacting positively to the child’s comments, demonstrating good communication skills and empathy.

Analysis and Interpretation:
Liam displayed a strong ability to engage in both cooperative and imaginative play. His interactions were positive and included sharing, turn-taking, and clear communication. His transitions between activities were smooth, suggesting adaptability. The shift to solitary play towards the end might indicate his need for quiet time, which is developmentally appropriate.

Recommendations:
Liam would benefit from continued opportunities for both group and individual play to balance his social and independent activities. Introducing more complex pretend play items, like costumes or props, could further encourage his creativity. Additionally, more structured group activities could help deepen his peer relationships and enhance his teamwork skills.