Observing Language & Literacy in Real-World Contexts: Applied Field Observation Assignment

Authors

Chanda Huston, City University of New YorkFollow

Document Type

Assignment

Publication Date

Fall 2025

Abstract

This assignment guides undergraduate early childhood education students through three structured observations of children’s language and literacy behaviors in authentic environments such as homes, classrooms, and community spaces. Students learn to record objective, descriptive notes; analyze communication through developmental and sociocultural lenses; and connect their interpretations to meaningful curriculum planning. The assignment emphasizes professional skills essential to early childhood educators, including documentation, theoretical application, and reflective practice, helping students deepen their understanding of how young children use language and engage with emerging literacy in everyday contexts.

Comments

This assignment is part of EDCE 20604, supporting students in observing and interpreting children’s language and literacy behaviors across authentic environments.

Funding for this OER project was provided by the CUNY OER initiative, coordinated by the Teaching and Learning Center

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

CUNY OER Funding

CUNY OER Initiative