Observations don’t have to feel overwhelming, time-consuming, or like another task to check off your list. When we begin to see observation as part of our everyday interactions with children, it becomes one of the most valuable tools for understanding, supporting, and extending learning.

In this interactive session, we’ll challenge common misconceptions about observations and explore practical ways to make them a natural part of your daily routine. Together, we’ll look at how observations can help us better understand children’s play, uncover deeper interests, respond thoughtfully to behaviours, and make confident decisions in the moment. We’ll also challenge the misconception that every child needs a formal observation, exploring how following one or two children—or a shared inquiry—can deepen our understanding while still supporting the learning and development of the whole group.

We’ll also explore some of the most common questions educators ask:

• Do I need to complete a formal observation for every child?

• How do I know what to observe?

• When is it worth writing something down?

• How can one observation inspire meaningful experiences for children of different ages and developmental stages?

You’ll leave with practical strategies for knowing what to notice, when formal observations are helpful, and how everyday observations can guide both your interactions with children and your ongoing documentation.

Whether you’re new to observations or looking for a fresh perspective, you’ll leave with greater confidence in using observation as a tool to understand children, nurture their learning, and make observations work for you.