One of the few books that successfully combines observation techniques with child development, this user-friendly book takes an applied approach that allows students to observe, record, and interpret child development by looking at particular behavior. Using the observation data to determine the level of a child's development, plans and activities are illustrated to show readers how to help children strengthen specific areas of development. Chapter coverage discusses developmental assessment instruments--along with alternate approaches to child assessment using shadow studies, play-based assessment and child interviews, as well as digital camera photos. It also includes information on the emergence of emotions in young children, new brain research showing the importance of physical development, sharing observational data with parents, and a child skills checklist that can be used by teachers to determine children's levels of development. For early childhood teachers.