Observing helps us answer the question, What next?
In a traditional setting, that question is answered by looking at the next bit of the plan, or the next step in the assessment/project/timeline, or the next page in the textbook.
But, if you’re giving kids space and trust, those reference points aren’t as useful.
This is why observation is crucial.
But you can’t just notice and label:
+ Three kids building with blocks = construction urge.
+ Lots of writing happening = literacy.
You also need to think, and part of that thinking should involve some kind of interpretation that allows you to gauge the level of learning that’s happening. It’s this kind of thinking that you need to do if you want to respond in a way that targets the learner’s ZPD.