It can be helpful to prepare yourself for conversations about classroom observations. Use the phrases below as a resource to brainstorm ways to start a variety of reflective conversations with staff about their performance.

Objective phrases:

• Tell me about … how Kelsey responded during homework time?
• What happened when … you showed Daveon the number line?
• How did it go when … Briley sat next to Jiyoung?
• I noticed that you...tell me more about that.

Interpretive phrases:

• What do you think would happen if … you gave Carl a leadership role?
• Why do you think … Case and West were fighting?
• Tell me how you felt about...the new schedule you started.
• How did the children respond when...?

Comparative phrases:

• If you had to do it again, how would you do it differently?
• How did today compare to yesterday?
• How would it be different if …
• What do you think went well today compared to...?

General phrases:

• I wonder what/if …
• I notice that …
• I wonder how that was for the children.
• Can you help me understand?
• Tell me what you see.
• Share your thoughts.
• Did you have any challenges?
• What felt good about it?
• What do you think it looked like from the children’s perspective?

Source: Snyder, P, Hemmeter ML, Fox, L. (2022). Essentials of practice-based coaching: Supporting effective practices in early childhood. Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.