30-36 Months: Learning About Me -- Observation Record

How does the toddler show confidence in himself and growing comfort with his own independence?

Older two-year-olds begin to take initiative and respond to opportunities to show their growing competence. They have strong preferences and keep trying to make things happen the way they want them to.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Want bedtime company–ask a parent to stay with him, because he believes there's a tiger under his bed.
• Ask for help–go to his caregiver for help in getting a turn at the easel, because it feels as though he's been waiting a long time.
• Show you–with much excitement, show you a new finger play he learned at circle time, even if he remembers only parts of it.
• Decide on his own clothes–choose a shirt to wear and try to put it on "by self," even though it is backward.
• Avoid transitions–resist getting ready to go home at the end of the day.

How does this toddler show his confidence and independence? (Include dates.)

How does the toddler show he is trying to manage his feelings and behavior?

Toddlers try to manage themselves by making choices and finding ways to express feelings. Some toddlers manage tension by becoming very active, while others become passive. Some toddlers have trouble deciding; others have clear ideas and insist on following them; still others need adults to help them decide what to do.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Change his mind–respond to a choice of foods for breakfast by choosing one and then changing his mind when you put it on the table.
• Look at me–Show the caregiver how he hung his painting on the drying rack.
• Do things for himself–pull his own pants down and up when using the toilet.
• Comfort himself–tell his caregiver that his mommy will come soon as a way to help himself wait.
• Use words–shout, "I don't like you," when he can't have his own way.

In what ways does this toddler show he's trying to manage his behavior? (Include dates.)

How does the toddler show growing awareness of social skills when expressing himself?

Toddlers are learning how to express themselves so that others will listen and consider their requests. Adults are very important in helping toddlers learn socially acceptable ways of expressing their wants and needs. They are models for the behaviors toddlers will adopt.

The toddler might do one or more of the following:

• Say it–use words to indicate that he doesn't want to come sit down for story time.
• Be polite–use social conventions such as "please" when he wants something.
• Try again–whine when he wants another cookie, but stop when reminded that there is a better way to get a second cookie.
• Ask for it–start to climb on the table to reach the pitcher of juice, but pause, sit down, and ask for the juice to be passed to him.
• Make it happen–call for help when he wants a turn on the tricycle or on the slide.

How does this toddler express his feelings and wants? (Include dates.)