Observing a Montessori Classroom

I want to emphasize the importance of observation in our learning environment. The foundation of the Montessori 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)  

Dr. Montessori wisely stated, "Observation is an art. It has to be learned and practiced."  We, as Montessori Directresses (teachers), practice observation every day. It is the 'cornerstone' of our work. We are trained to observe scientifically, free from preconceived notions and without expectations.

Through careful observation, we gain valuable insights into your children's needs, allowing us to provide the necessary support, identify the right moments to intervene, and better understand their personalities. As Montessori noted, "Humility and patience are qualities needed to observe truthfully; it is a habit that must be developed through practice" (The Advanced Montessori Method).

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 to be able to give the life of the child the help that it has the right to receive.' (H.Patel, Observation)  

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-Judgemental: 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 a 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, in the grocery store, and more.

When you come to observe in the classroom, please come in as subtle as you can. This way, you'd be able to observe a regular work period without disruption. You will be welcomed by the guides or the children and will be escorted to the observation chairs. 

Please 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.  

Feel free to take notes regarding your observation. I will not be able to engage in conversation with you so it is very important that you write down any questions which you may have. We can discuss them during our Fall Parent Teacher Conference.

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 with their work in their natural environment." M. Montessori, The Secret of Childhood.