Pinnacle Blooms Network · Family and teacher resource
Notice the moment.
Share the useful detail.
A child may communicate differently with different people and in different settings. A brief description of an ordinary moment can help the family and professional discuss what is working and what to explore next.
This is an observation aid, not a diagnostic test or score. Keep notes privately and share them only with the family and appropriate care professionals.
One moment is a useful starting point
| The situation | What was happening? Who was present? What seemed important to the child? |
|---|---|
| Communication | What did the child do or communicate—words, sounds, gestures, pictures or another method? |
| Support | What help, prompt, choice, time or change in the setting was offered? |
| What happened | Was the message understood? What did the other person do? Describe what you saw. |
| A question to discuss | What would you like to understand or make easier? What should the team review? |
An example of a useful observation
“During play, the child brought a closed box to me. I offered the agreed picture card and waited. The child used the card, and I helped open the box. We have not yet observed this with another familiar adult.”
This illustrative note distinguishes the communication from the support given. The family and professional can then agree what to practise or observe next; the example is not a patient result.
Keep the family part of the conversation
- Use concrete descriptions rather than labels about the child.
- Include the child’s interests and choices, and what made participation easier.
- Bring observations to the agreed review. Ask how they affect the next decision.
- Do not put private notes, a child’s identity or reports into public comments or social media.
Source and citation
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network, a brand of Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited. Published 28 September 2026. This organisational discussion aid follows our family-observation approach and review process. It is not a validated assessment instrument.
Suggested citation: Pinnacle Blooms Network. Communication observations: family and teacher guide. 28 September 2026. https://www.pinnacleblooms.org/speech-therapy/teacher-observation-guide