What are anecdotal Observations and jottings

INDUSTRY

Early Childhood

CATEGORY

Refresher Module

LEVEL

Entry

AVG COMPLETION TIME

25 mins

Expert Led

Developed by Australian Experts

Up To Date

Updated as standards and regulations change

Compliant

Comply with ethical and legal obligations

Self Paced

Complete in the flow of work

What You’ll Learn

  • Understand what anecdotal records are and how they differ from running records.
  • Identify key features of anecdotal records: short, concise, written in past tense, and recorded during or after an event.
  • Learn how anecdotal records capture the who, what, where, and how of a child’s experience.
  • Practise writing objective descriptions of actions and speech without interpretation.
  • Understand the importance of quoting children’s words accurately.
  • Determine the level of detail needed to allow meaningful interpretation later.
  • Recognise situations where anecdotal records are most effective and useful.
  • Explore the advantages (quick, flexible, interactive) and disadvantages (memory reliance, limited detail).
  • Understand what jottings are and how they provide brief, objective notes about learning.
  • Learn how to write jottings in past tense as short, factual statements.
  • Compare the advantages (speed, broad coverage) and disadvantages (lack of depth) of jottings.
  • Discover how anecdotal records and jottings inform programming and future planning.
  • Link observations to EYLF outcomes and long-term learning goals.
  • Use both methods to support summaries, reflections, and curriculum decisions.

Course Overview

Anecdotal observations and jottings are quick, simple, and powerful ways to make children’s learning visible. In this course, you’ll discover how to write clear and meaningful anecdotal records in past tense, accurately capture children’s words and actions, and use jottings as short notes that still provide valuable insights.

You’ll also learn when to use these methods, their advantages and limitations, and how to link them to EYLF outcomes for planning and programming. By the end, you’ll feel confident in using these everyday tools to highlight developmental milestones, celebrate children’s voices, and contribute to meaningful learning journeys.

This course is part of our Assessment and Evaluation 101 Series. Check out other courses in this series!

Course Activities

Introduction

  • Welcome to our Assessment and Evaluation 101 Series
  • What you will learn
  • Links to NQF
  • Lessons

  • What to observe
  • How to write
  • When to use
  • Advantages and disadvantages
  • Jottings purpose and how to use
  • Practice in writing Anecdotal records
  • Conclusions

  • Knowledge Checks
  • Final Quiz
  • Meet Your Course Authors

    KA

    Karen Atkinson

    Childcare Resources

    With 38+ years of experience in Early Childhood and Adult Education, Karen combines her background as a Teacher, University Lecturer, and RTO Founder to develop research-based, practical learning resources. Her expertise spans educational theory, curriculum design, and neuroscience-informed approaches to effective teaching and professional development.

    SS

    Stephanie Sinclair

    Childcare Resources

    With 15+ years in Early Childhood Education, Stephanie brings experience as a Teacher, Trainer, and Consultant, specialising in curriculum design, play-based learning, and compliance with National Standards. As Co-Director of Insightful Learning and Education, she’s dedicated to helping educators create environments where curiosity and connection thrive.

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