How to use

• Duplicate a layout below; fill in context, evidence, EYLF analysis, next steps.
• Keep tone family‑friendly; quote the child; add 1–3 photos where appropriate.

Single child template

• Title:
• Date:
• Child:
• Context:
• Observation (2–4 sentences):
• Child/family voice:
• Learning analysis (EYLF 1–5):
• Next steps (2–3 dot points):

Group template

• Title:
• Date:
• Group:
• Context:
• Observations (group & individuals):
• Learning analysis (group & individuals):
• Next steps (environment & invitations):
• Family connection prompt:

Photo‑heavy template

• Title:
• Date:
• Photos (1–3 with captions):
• One‑line observation per photo:
• Learning summary (EYLF):
• Next steps:

Tips

• Make the analysis explicit with 2–3 precise outcome links.
• Prefer authentic quotes to generic phrases; keep next steps actionable.

Additional layouts

Observation checklist + reflection

• Title:
• Date:
• Context:
• Observation (short):
• Checklist (tick observed): Turn‑taking ☐ Collaboration ☐ Risk mgmt ☐ New vocabulary ☐
• Learning analysis (EYLF 1–5):
• Reflective question to child/family:
• Next steps:

Planning cycle linked

• Title:
• Date:
• Observation:
• Analysis (EYLF):
• Plan (next steps):
• Act (what we did):
• Reflect (impact, child/family voice):

Quick note (for FDC or busy sessions)

• Title:
• Date:
• One‑line observation:
• Evidence (quote or action):
• EYLF links (1–2):
• Next step (single action):

Writing prompts by outcome

• Outcome 1 Identity: “How did the child show confidence, agency, belonging?”
• Outcome 2 Community: “Where did inclusion, fairness, or contribution appear?”
• Outcome 3 Wellbeing: “What safe choices, self‑care, or persistence were evident?”
• Outcome 4 Learning: “What problem‑solving, inquiry, or transferring ideas happened?”
• Outcome 5 Communication: “What language, symbols, or multimodal expression was used?”

Links: Examples · EYLF Mapping · How to Write · Activity examples: Playdough, Sandpit, Water Play, Painting, Dramatic Play, Friendship

Worked examples

Single child example (language + problem‑solving)

Context: Morning table with funnels, jugs, and timers.

Observation (2–4 sentences): Mia poured water through two funnels, frowned when it spilled, then tried a wider jug. She said, "It goes faster!" and timed the pour with a sand timer.

Learning analysis (EYLF 4,5): Testing cause‑and‑effect; using comparative language; communicating discovery.

Next steps: Add tubes of varying widths; prompt predictions ("Which is faster? Why?"); chart results with tally marks.

Group example (collaboration + planning)

Context: Sandpit with pump, gutters, and stones.

Observations (group & individuals): One child held the hose, two dug a channel, another collected stones to create a bridge. They adjusted the slope when water pooled and negotiated turns.

Learning analysis (group & individuals): Cooperation, role negotiation, testing and adjusting plans; vocabulary in action (flow, slope, barrier). (EYLF 2,3,4)

Next steps (environment & invitations): Add gutters with different angles; set a shared goal (fill to a marked line); introduce job cards for roles.

Family connection prompt: "What teamwork games do you enjoy at home?"

Photo‑heavy example (creative arts)

Photos (1–3 with captions):

• Mixing colour to make "stormy sky"
• Using a sponge to create gradients
• Titling the artwork "Storm to Sun"

One‑line observation per photo: Named techniques (blend, dab), selected tools with intent, shared the story behind the image.

Learning summary (EYLF): Fine motor control, experimenting with process, symbolic representation, using art vocabulary. (EYLF 3,4,5)

Next steps: Provide rollers and combs; display gradient cards; invite a caption or dictated story.

Downloading, printing, and sharing

• Save/export as PDF with readable font and high‑contrast captions.
• Compress images for web and keep originals for family archives.
• Use consistent filenames (date‑child‑title) to simplify retrieval.
• Check family permissions before including close‑ups or names in public displays.

Common mistakes and quick fixes

• Too much description, little analysis → Trim and name the learning explicitly.
• Outcomes not evidenced → Add direct quotes or actions that show the skill.
• Vague next steps → Write one experience, one question, one environment tweak.
• No family voice → End with a prompt that invites response.

FAQs

• How long should a template entry be? 1–3 focused paragraphs with explicit analysis.
• How many outcomes to link? Typically 2–3 with clear evidence.
• Group or single child? Use group for shared experiences; single for depth and voice.
• How many photos? 1–3 with captions that connect to the analysis.