Summary of Anecdotal Records
Based on:
Wylie, S. (1999). Observing young children: A guide for early childhood educators in
Canada. Scarborough, ON: Nelson Thomson Learning. Pp. 88 – 95.
The anecdotal record is used to document spontaneous behaviours by children. The name
comes from the fact that the result is a recorded story or “anecdote”. This is an open-
ended method, which means that educators record whatever events unfold, including as
much detail as possible, rather than looking for specific behaviours and only recording
those.
Typically, the observer jots down notes quickly and then transcribes the notes into the
objective data as soon as possible. When these notes are made as the situation occurs, it is
referred to as a “live anecdote” and the data should be written in the present tense. When
the notes are made after the fact it is referred to as a “remembered anecdote” and the past
tense should be used for writing the anecdote.
A series of anecdotes in a variety of settings allows educators to track children’s
development, make decisions about curriculum and plan for the future. These
observations may also be shared with parents and other professionals.
Clarity and objectivity in the data are very important. To reduce the potential of judgment
errors it helps to be aware of one’s own biases.
Following the recording of the observation the educator will make an interpretation.
These should be based on one’s knowledge of development and typical child behaviour.
They are essentially a “best guess” about the meaning of the observation. The
interpretation should relate directly to the data recorded in the observation and not to
other details that were observed but not recorded.
Advantages of Anecdotal Records
• This is a simple method to use because all that is required is paper and pen.
• The open-ended nature means that educators can be ready to record whatever
happens for a particular child.
• It is possible to gather a wide variety of examples of behaviour in a wide variety
of situations.
• With a large series of observations it becomes possible to look for patterns of
behaviour and clues to understanding a particular child.
Disadvantages of Anecdotal Records
• To organize, record, and interpret a series of observations is time-consuming.
• If too much time passes before notes are transcribed the possibility of bias
increases.
