Field Notes

Write a rich, thick description of one of the characters (participants) from your observation:
DJ is a newly teenage girl who is trying to come into her own during an important transitional period. She
comes from an upper-middle class family who hold those standard values when interacting within their family
structure. DJ exhibits all of the normal feelings and characteristics of a young female in her position dealing
with new physical and emotional changes. DJ demonstrates a strong desire to have the respect of her family and
her own personal privacy. She does not enjoy the antics of her little sisters that she might have brushed off a few
years ago. She wants one sister to respect boundaries such as her diary and her birthday party. DJ makes this
known through complaints to her aunt, uncles, and father, in addition to conversations with her sister. DJs body
language throughout the episode makes her discomfort and unhappiness very clear. In many frames she has her
arms crossed, storms off, or rolls her eyes. DJ does seem more open to changing her reactions towards her
family if they can respect some of the boundaries she would like to put in place.
Rich Description Notes:
Who?
Opie and teacher
Tanner Family
What is happening?
Dancing at school
Birthday/birthday party
When?
School/after school/home
Mayberry small town- 50s
Home/living room
Why?
He has a crush on her
She has a crush on him/coming of age
Doesnt want to seem to eager to crush-doesnt want to ask him to dance
Repetitive behaviors?
Polite questioning
Gift
Questioning, embarrassment
Activities labeled or justified?
Gift giving for crush
Reading a poem to a teacher
How to handle crushes at different ages
Desiring more independence and privacy
Behavior towards one another?
Opie wants to demonstrate his feelings for his teacher.
The teacher is maintaining a professional, but caring attitude with Opie.
Conflict between family members .
Awkwardness.

Content for conversation?

Appropriate gifts for friends
Appropriate interactions with older adults
Boundaries for family throughout age transitions
Tones?
Unsure
Confused
Beliefs illustrated?
Gift of stocking is inappropriate
Figure out what should and shouldnt be tolerated during a new phase in life.