By looking at the photos that were taken during the activity, I realized that there were a lot of things that I would have missed out on if the photos had not been captured. For instance, his ability to manipulate objects using both hands as can be seen from him holding on to the playdoh while cutting it. I also realized that he had made progress in his play skills. He used to require step by step instructions or help in order for him to be able to create shapes using the playdoh. E.g. Use the roller to flatten the playdoh before stamping the shape onto it, press hard enough such that the shape is being cut out cleanly instead of having to use a knife to outline the shape in order to get it out. From looking at the photos, I also realized that he was able to hold and use a pair of scissors without help, which is something that I never thought he was able to do. I also realized by looking at all the shots taken that he played mostly on his own and did not really interact with his friends.

 

Through this experience, I became aware of the importance of photo documentation especially after realizing how many things I would have missed if not for the photos that were taken. I have also learnt that this was a more efficient way of observing the child, rather than to note down everything that he was seen to be able to do in class, which is not possible in all situations especially when the class is hectic. As such, this could be done hand in hand with anecdotal recording in order to capture the child’s skills and progress in the best way possible. Furthermore, when writing the bi-weekly update for parents which would normally include the child’s progress as well as some of the activities they carried out within the two weeks, I realized that it was much easier to write things when referring to the pictures taken rather than try to recall what the child was able to do. These pictures were also given to his parents, to give them a better picture of what he did in class. Lastly, these pictures could be a way to track the child’s progress, which would be displayed more clearly and obviously, rather than by writing about it, which may not paint the correct picture.