A running record is best used for which example?

• A. A child's mood during nap
• B. A child's snack preference
• C. A child's attempt to tie his/her own shoes
• D. A child's favorite toy

Answer: (C)

A running record is a real-time, sequential account of what a child says and does as events unfold. It’s especially useful for documenting tasks that have multiple steps, so you can see the exact order of actions, track how the child progresses, and note where help is needed. The example of a child attempting to tie his or her own shoes fits this well because you can record each action as it happens—the sequence of steps, any mistakes, and when prompts are required—providing a clear picture of the child’s self-help skill development. Mood during nap time, snack preference, or favorite toy involve feelings, likes, or states rather than a step-by-step task, so they’re not best captured by a running record.