Language is very important when making and documenting observations about children. What role do subjective and objective language have in your observations?

Subjective and objective language play crucial roles in making and documenting observations about children.

1. Objective Language: Objective language is based on facts and is not influenced by personal feelings or biases. It is precise, measurable, and can be verified by a third party. When observing children, objective language is used to record factual information such as what a child is doing, the exact words they are saying, or their interactions with others. For example, "The child stacked three blocks on top of each other" or "The child said 'I want to play with the truck'". Using objective language helps to ensure that the observations are accurate and reliable.

2. Subjective Language: Subjective language, on the other hand, is influenced by personal feelings, interpretations, or opinions. It is often used to express thoughts, feelings, and emotions. In the context of observing children, subjective language might be used to interpret a child's behavior or emotional state. For example, "The child seemed frustrated when he couldn't stack the blocks" or "The child was excited to play with the truck". While subjective language can provide valuable insights into a child's emotional state and behavior, it is important to use it carefully to avoid misinterpretations or biases.

In conclusion, both subjective and objective language are important in making and documenting observations about children. Objective language provides accurate and verifiable information about a child's actions, while subjective language can offer insights into their emotions and behavior. However, it is crucial to use subjective language judiciously to avoid bias or misinterpretation.