Enjoying Observations

Here are some guidelines on how to observe.   

• Be Open, Accept Another Way:  Know that there is more to every situation than you can know.  Each has a history and extenuating circumstances that you are not aware of.  It takes acceptance and understanding before one should decide if they like/ agree or don't like/ agree. 
• Have a Silent Mind:  Be in the present.  Make each thing that happens the only thing you think about.  Leave outside life, outside.
• Be Non-Judgmental:  Put aside all interpretations, prejudices, stereotypes, assumptions, judgments, and personal preferences.
• Be a Scientific Observer:  Accept what is happening, just the facts of reality as it is occurring.  (Later you can use gathered information to make conclusions.)
• Be Objective:  no feelings, no personal emotions.  The whole is important, just as the details are.  It is a privilege to observe a human being and see his process, so please respect the child as you watch.
• See and Listen:  See the child for exactly who and what she is, for the actions she makes.  Listen to the exact things he or she says.  Fight the temptation to give quality or name to everything you see or hear.
• Observe with Love:  We can only transform our way of seeing through love.  This kind of love means having interest, respect, responsibility, and knowledge.
• Lastly, Practice!:  At school, at home, watching a play, eating, in the grocery store, and more.

     As Dr. Montessori would say, "Observation is an art.  It has to be learned and practiced."  We, as Montessori Directresses, practice observation every day.  It is the 'cornerstone' of our work.  Through this process, we learn about your child as a whole.  Furthermore, it enables us to provide the right support to your child during each stage of his or her development.  

     When you come to observe in the classroom, please come in as subtly as you can.  This way, you'd be able to observe a regular work period without disruption.  You will be welcome by the guides or the children and will be escorted to the observation chairs.  You must always keep in mind that each child responds differently.  A few may smile and greet you from a distance while others may approach you to start a conversation.  When this happens, kindly remind them that you are there to observe their work.  The children know about the importance of the observation chair.  They sometimes would choose to sit on the observer's chair to watch their friends work.  

     Please feel free to take notes regarding your observation.  We will not be able to engage in conversation with you while you are visiting our classroom for observation so you must write down any questions which you may have.  We can then discuss them during our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conference.  Remember the guidelines I've provided above and most of all, enjoy!      

     Lastly, I will leave you with a quote, "The psychic life of a child must be observed in the same way Fabre made his observations of insects.  He kept himself concealed so as not to disturb them as they were busy about their work in their natural environment." M.Montessori, The Secret of Childhood.

Ms. Vicki, Bumblebee Teacher