A running record is a detailed, objective and systematic record of a child's behavior, words, and actions as they occur in real-time. It is a valuable tool for educators, as it allows them to closely observe and understand a child's development, interests, and needs. This type of observation can be particularly useful when working with young children, as it provides a wealth of information about their cognitive, social, and emotional development.
To conduct a running record, an educator will typically choose a specific activity or situation to observe, such as a child playing with toys, reading a book, or participating in a group activity. The educator will then record the child's behavior and interactions in a detailed and objective manner, using descriptive language and avoiding any interpretation or evaluation of the child's actions.
For example, if a child is playing with blocks, the running record might include observations such as: "The child picked up a red block and placed it on top of a blue block," or "The child stacked three blocks in a tower and then knocked it down." The running record should also include any words or sounds the child makes, as well as any interactions with other children or adults.
One of the main benefits of a running record is that it provides a detailed and objective record of a child's behavior, which can be useful for identifying patterns and trends over time. For example, an educator may observe that a child consistently engages in certain types of play or exhibits certain behaviors in certain situations. This information can be used to inform the educator's teaching and support strategies and help the child make progress in their development.
Running records can also be useful for identifying areas where a child may need additional support or guidance. For example, if a child consistently struggles with a particular activity or task, an educator may use the running record to identify any underlying challenges or issues that may be contributing to the difficulty.
Overall, running records are a valuable tool for educators working with young children, as they provide a wealth of information about a child's development, interests, and needs. By closely observing and recording a child's behavior and interactions in real-time, educators can gain a better understanding of the child's strengths and areas for growth, and use this information to support the child's development in meaningful and effective ways.
