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.
Arvustused
Clare Devlin has taken a potentially dry topic of assessment and observation and turned it into a conversational sharing of practical strategies. She weaves research and best practice in and out of examples and case studies and guides the reader away from overwhelm to calm application of easy-to-follow steps and informed teaching. - Dr. Kathryn Murray, Future Strong Education Consultancy, Australia
This authoritative and engaging book will help strengthen your professional judgement on why observation matters, choosing the right tools for quality observations and evidence-based methods for outstanding documentation. Throughout this essential book, there is a focus on integrity, authenticity and honouring the child. Using her extensive practical knowledge, Clare gets to the heart of the process, making the transition from tick-box observations to understanding and implementing developmentally appropriate strategies for analysis and assessment. It is a universal and invaluable guide for every Early Years professional. - Kathy Brodie, Founder, Early Years TV
This is the book I wish I'd had when I was struggling to find my way with observation. Clare doesn't just explain observation - she takes you to its very heart and shows you how to weave it into the fabric of who you are as an educator. This book is an absolute lifeline for anyone who's ever felt lost in the process. - Sally Haughey, Founder, Wunderled Teaching
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
Clare Devlin is a freelance education consultant based in Northern Ireland. She specialises in Play, Creativity, Observation and Outdoor learning, offering bespoke in-person and online training and mentoring for educators working with children up to age 11. Clare played a key role in developing the Sure Start Two Year Old Programme in Northern Ireland
