What: An anecdotal record is a short, objective, descriptive summary of one event or incident writing down after the event has taken place. You often use anecdotes and telling your friends a story about something that happened over the weekend or something cute or funny your child did.

What should an anecdotal record contain?

An anecdotal note is a factual, written record of a child. It includes who, what, how and sometimes where and when. It is written so that the reader can picture exactly what happened without interpretation. It does NOT include what you think a child is feeling or what you think a child was thinking.

How do you write jottings?

They are usually recorded directly after the behaviour has been observed or later from memory and they can form the basis for a more detailed anecdotal record if required. Jottings can be written in a diary, note pad, log book or even post it notes and transferred to individual folders later.