Senior Observation Rubric

Physical sphere 0 / 15

Participated actively in movement or fitness session

Did not just watch — made an attempt at exercises

1

2

3

Completed warm-up and cool-down without being prompted

Followed along without needing repeated reminders

1

2

3

Showed visible effort or improvement in a movement

Tried harder, went deeper, or held longer than before

1

2

3

Reported or showed reduced physical complaint compared to last week

Pain, stiffness, or fatigue mentioned less or not at all

1

2

3

Maintained regularity — attended without being chased

Showed up on their own initiative

1

2

3

Observation notes (physical)

Initiated a conversation or greeted another member

Didn't wait to be spoken to — started something themselves

1

2

3

Responded when spoken to — did not stay withdrawn

Eye contact, reply, or acknowledgement given

1

2

3

Shared something personal — a story, memory, or opinion

Opened up voluntarily, not just answering yes/no

1

2

3

Showed interest in another member's wellbeing

Asked how someone was, noticed their absence, or offered encouragement

1

2

3

Participated in group activity without needing separate coaxing

Joined in willingly, not after repeated individual invitations

1

2

3

Observation notes (social)

Cognitive sphere 0 / 15

Recalled something from a previous session unprompted

Remembered a song, step, craft detail, or discussion without being reminded

1

2

3

Followed multi-step instructions without getting lost

Kept up with sequenced directions in fitness, music, or craft

1

2

3

Asked a curious or thoughtful question during the session

Mind was engaged, not just present

1

2

3

Responded correctly or thoughtfully to trivia or a quiz question

Attempted an answer — right or wrong, the attempt counts

1

2

3

Showed creative thinking or a personalised touch in their work

Made their own choice — colour, word, movement — rather than copying exactly

1

2

3

Observation notes (cognitive)

Emotional sphere 0 / 15

Appeared visibly happy, relaxed, or at ease during the session

Facial expression, body language, or tone reflected comfort

1

2

3

Expressed a positive emotion voluntarily — laughed, complimented, or said they enjoyed something

Not prompted — came from them naturally

1

2

3

Handled a difficult moment (mistake, struggle, confusion) without shutting down

Stayed in the session and tried again, even if briefly

1

2

3

Showed emotional openness — shared how they were feeling

Mentioned mood, health, family, or life without being probed deeply

1

2

3

Left the session in a noticeably better or calmer state than they arrived

Observable shift — not assumed. Based on what you saw.

1

2

3

Observation notes (emotional)