Below are some sample questions related to the video clip and the value of documenting observations of individual children. It may be helpful to watch the video more than one time.

What did you observe about the two teachers in the video?

How did the two teachers work together to document their observations?

What were some ways in which the teachers encouraged each other to say more about their observations?

What are some of the examples of the observations the teachers made of individual children during the day?

After watching this video, what comes to mind for you about the importance of documenting observations of individual children?

In what ways might observations about individual children be useful to you as a teacher?

Is there a specific experience you’ve had that relates in some way to this scenario? If so, what was the experience and how does it relate?

What are some ways the teacher is responsive to the toddlers?

Did you notice how she waits to see how they will explore and follows their lead, asks questions, and repeats some of their words?

In what ways does the teacher encourage the toddlers as they discover dirt and grass?

How does the caregiver respond to the emotions expressed by the toddlers?

What words and phrases did the caregiver use to support the toddlers to express their feelings?

a. Reflecting on Responsive Caring

How does the teacher show her interest in the infant?
What do you notice about the infant’s and teacher’s pace as they sit together?
What kind of comments does the teacher make as the infant explores?
b. Reflecting on Relationships and Attachment

How would you describe the relationship between the care teacher and baby?
How is the caregiver supporting the baby's need to establish a secure attachment with an adult?
How do you think the baby feels during this interaction?

Notice how the teacher gently brings the girls into the environment and talks with them in their home language, Spanish, as they adjust to being in care.

How did the caregiver show she respected and related to the feelings the toddlers might be experiencing as she greeted them?

How does the environment help support interactions and togetherness?

What did you see from the toddlers’ behaviors, facial expressions, and/ or body language that showed you their emotional needs were being met by the caregiver?

How does the teacher initiate conversations?

In what ways is this teacher supporting learning and development during this experience?

How do you think the children feel during this walk?

How does the environment support the babies’ ability to explore and learn?

How does the environment support the partnership between the young infant’s family and the caregiver?

How does the infant respond to the interactions between the mother and caregiver?

How does the caregiver use the materials and space to create a warm and welcoming environment for young children and their families?

What did you observe in the interactions between the teacher and Alou?

How does the environment and the materials support their interactions?

What are some ways the teacher responds to his needs?

After watching this video, what comes to mind for you about including children with special needs through interactions and the environment?

Is there a specific experience you’ve had that relates in some way to the interactions between this teacher and Alou? If so, what was the experience and how does it relate?

How would you describe the relationship between the two toddlers and the infant care teacher?

What do you see the caregiver saying or doing to support and acknowledge the emotions the children may be experiencing?

How does the teacher support the emotional needs of the children?

What else might you have asked these toddlers to connect with their feelings during this time?

How do the toddlers respond when she asks about their families?

What are your values?

What are your beliefs around child rearing?

Where do your values and beliefs around child rearing come from?

In what ways does Elijah explore his environment?

What kind of facial expressions do you observe as he plays?

Does this clip relate to experiences you’ve had with children in your care or in your program?

How does the environment support Elijah’s ability to maintain a calm, focused emotional state?

Does Elijah’s interest in exploring containers give you ideas for how to make changes in the environment (such as adding empty containers, providing space for larger container play)?

In what ways does the food therapist encourage Trevor to experience the foods?

How did Trevor and the other children respond and potentially benefit from this experience?

Can you think of other examples of intervention in the natural environment?

Does this clip relate to any experiences you’ve had with children in your care or in your program