Which of the following is NOT an acceptable written observation?

• A. Quincy kicked Adam today.
• B. Quincy hit Adam today during playtime.
• C. Quincy kicked Adam today because he wanted the truck Adam had.
• D. Quincy cried during circle time.

Answer: (C)

Observations must be objective and describe only what was seen, when, and where, without guessing why a child did something. The sentence that says Quincy kicked Adam today because he wanted the truck Adam had attributes a motive to the behavior. That motive isn’t directly observable and can’t be verified from what happened, so it isn’t an acceptable written observation. The other options state concrete actions in a clear, observable way (kicking, hitting, crying) and include when or where they occurred, which fits the goal of neutral, observable recording.