In "Observing and Recording Children's Behavior," Dorothy Cohen, Virginia Stern, and Nancy Balaban describe methods that enable systematic observation of children's behavior in the school setting.

The authors indicate the specific details that must be considered in order to interpret the child's behavior, while simultaneously explaining the reasons why these details are important.

This information helps the observer to gain a comprehensive picture of the child's thoughts and feelings, based on objective data. This outcome is aimed at all those who wish to better understand how the child thinks and feels.

It is particularly useful for educators who seek to create a comprehensive picture of the child, in order to shape an environment that encourages and stimulates their development and allows for the timely recognition and addressing of emotional development and learning issues.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]