Observing in our Environment

I would like to underline the importance of observation in our environment and how it is a critical part of our work.  The foundation of the Montessori school educational practice is based on observation.  It is through the observation of children that Maria Montessori acquired the knowledge and elaborated the teaching method as well as the materials that hold her name today.  'She believed in innovation in the classroom and her whole approach to education was in the spirit of constant experimentation based on observation of the child.' (P. Lilliard, A Modern Approach)  We, Directresses or teachers with our assistants, observe in the classroom daily.  Through observation we learn more about your children, understand their needs, know when the perfect moment to intervene for guidance, help, and support, understand their character and personalities, and more so to be able to distinguish any problem or difficulty your children may be having which may need extra attention.   

 Observation is 'the indispensable part which makes our work come alive and become meaningful.  It is the tool that enables us to follow the child's spontaneous manifestations, not with the aim of studying the psychology of the child but in order to refine our thinking and understanding so as to be able to give the life of the child the help that it has the right to receive.' (H. Patel, Observation)  We, Directresses (or teachers) are trained to observe scientifically and as part of our training to observe, we are consciously reminded to be free of preconceived ideas, prejudices and most of all observe without any expectations.  'Humility and patience are qualities needed to observe truthfully, it is a habit which must be developed by practice.' (M. Montessori, The Advanced Montessori Method)

With that being said, we would like to share with you the amazing experience of observing and look forward to seeing all of you in our Bumblebee Classroom.  Below are simple observation guidelines we would like to share with you.  Please read through them carefully and if you have any questions or comments don't hesitate to let me know.  Thank you.  

What will you see when you observe?

A Note to Our Visitor

Welcome to our Bumblebee Classroom at Lifetime Montessori School. We enjoy having visitors and we hope that you will enjoy watching us work. In order for your experience to be truly meaningful, we would appreciate it if you abide by these requests;

 1. Please remain in the observation chair and do not move about the room unnecessarily.

 2. Do not initiate a conversation with any of the children, but if they talk to you please answer briefly and quietly. Kindly remind them that you are there to observe their work in the classroom.

 3. Please do not touch the children's work or the lessons in the classroom.

 4. If the children offer you refreshments or a piece of artwork, please accept graciously.

 5. You may observe the variety of work which is being used by your child as well as the other children. Observe social relations/interactions amongst the children themselves. Observe the children's sense of independence. Observe the children's ability to concentrate. Observe the noise level within the environment. Observe the classroom as a whole. Please feel free to write down any notes or questions you may have. 

 6. Please follow your allotted time and when your visit is over, please leave quietly. To help ease the separation, please make your goodbye as brief as possible. Let your child know that you will see him/her soon. If your child does get upset, please do not worry, as we will take care of him/her and will keep you posted.

 Thank you for coming to see us. If after your visit you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I will be more than happy to discuss with you anything that you have observed. I probably will not be able to talk with you at any length during class. I am, however, always happy to discuss Montessori with anyone who is interested. We hope that you enjoy your visit.

 Kindly,

Miss Vicki and the Bumblebee Children