Mentioned before in last weeks in class blog i have decided to do my Unit one project at the Overton park playground across the street from Tanglewood Elementary School.
What makes this space appealing?
Not only do i visit this space once a day every day at 2:30 i also enjoy observing children interact in a less formal way. I also enjoy seeing the many types of parenting and supervision.
Why did you choose it?
After learning more about arguments I choose this space because i thought it would be interesting finding many things i wouldn't months ago that may classify as a public or private argument.
What do you expect to find upon observation?
I expect to find many mothers, fathers, family members, and friends doing the routine of pick up their little ones. Hot, cold, icy, windy what ever the weather may be life goes on for these people.
Are you part of the target audience?
I do believe i am apart of the target audience. I find my self interacting with teachers, cross guards, students, and parents. Also the days i arrive early i observe and take part in many of the "clicks" that form and wait for the children to arrive.
What pre-conceived ideas may influence your objective observation?
My pre conceived ideas of this space driven by the common goal to arrive, and pick up your loved kid/s. I'm assuming everyone has that one thing in common. I am also assuming that pick up will be a happy and uplifting even and one that comes natural to many. I have officially observed this space one for 30 minutes and have found that many of the same people gather in the same area and talk with the same people. I think it might be hard for me to actually pick out arguments in this space but one day it will appear clear to me until then ill continue to observe and pick up my little ones.
I would have never thought to do this assignment in a playground. Great idea, and obviously very close to your heart. It will be interesting to see not only what argument those that go there are making but also what the playground says about itself. Stuff like what does it mean if it has grass or sand, plastic or metal equipment, where the garbage cans are... Totally cool thing to explore.
ReplyDeletePS. I think that southwest is the kind of adobe style mixed with a little Tex-Mex. That's my idea anyway.
Shawna,
ReplyDeleteThat's funny that I may have waited on you and your friends! I randomly see familiar faces around campus and wonder if they recognize me from the restaurant. Fun fun! Well, coming to your topic, i think you have a chosen an amazing space. I have a 3 year old brother and I, too, work with children down the street each day for an Independent Studies lab that deals with behavior in 4 year olds (typically developing and autistic) so i strongly believe that you will find significant details in your observations. I've found, and I'm sure you know what i mean, that you can almost form a description of the child in your head and develop it out and outline how you think they'll turn out as they grow up. You can observe small things like temperament and social skills to see how they interact with one another. Overall, i believe that a playground full of kids is a great choice! I'll definitely be looking forward to your final draft! good luck!
Shawna,
ReplyDeleteYou've chosen an excellent space for your analysis. It seems rich for analysis, especially given all the activity! And you're in an excellent position to observe the different audiences. I encourage you to visit the park at other times than 2:30, so that you can develop a greater understanding of the space throughout the day.
AI