Book excerpt: The Power of Observation explores the vital connection between observing and effective teaching. Much more than just a set of skills, observation is a mind-set of openness and wonder that helps teachers and caregivers get to know more about each child in their care. The link between observation and building relationships is an important theme of this book. The authors share their own experiences and those of many others to illustrate how observation helps teachers and caregivers become more effective in the child care center, preschool, family child care home, or elementary classroom. It offers guidelines for effective observation and specific strategies to help you refine your observation skills and transform observing into an integral part of your teaching. This second edition includes expanded guidance on applying what you learn from observation into your daily practices and a new study guide. This study guide was developed based on recommendations from numerous university and community college professors who use the book as the textbook for their courses. We are pleased that NAEYC has chosen to make this book a 2007 Comprehensive Member Benefit.