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.
Table of Contents:
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
