“Wait while observing. That is the motto for the educator. Let us wait, and be always ready to share in both the joys and the difficulties which the child experiences. … Let us have endless patience with his slow progress, and show enthusiasm and gladness at his successes.”

DR. MARIA MONTESSORI

Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori was a scientist and medical doctor, so observation was nothing new to her. When she applied her medical learnings to the early development of children, observation was at the core of her approach. Much like conducting a scientific experiment, Montessori would manipulate elements of the classroom environment and lessons and aim to understand how these changes impacted the children. She carefully watched and observed each child at work.

The Tool of Observation

Today, observation is an integral and ongoing part of a Montessori guide’s work. This is an essential part of lesson planning and classroom management. Through careful observation, the guide is able to gauge what concepts or skills each child has mastered and when they are ready to be introduced to new work and challenges. In a Montessori classroom, you can expect each child to be carefully observed by the guide so that their individual intellectual needs are met. The guide will not only observe the child as an individual; they will also observe the environment and atmosphere and how it serves the child. Something as simple as a piece of furniture disturbing the flow of the classroom can be sensed and corrected by the acute observation of a Montessori guide. 

Record Keeping

Montessori guides keep detailed notes and records on all of their children as they observe throughout the day. A guide may share these notes and observations during parent-teacher conferences so that as a parent, you too can have a deeper understanding of your child’s mental, social, and academic development. They will observe what work your child enjoys, what they avoid, how they interact socially, how they solve problems, and much more. This is how Montessori takes a more individualized approach than other schooling methods. 

Letting the Child Lead

The art of observation is all about letting the child show you and tell you what you need to know about them. Observation can be an amazing tool to allow your child to communicate with you what their needs are. It can be beneficial to take a step back and let the child lead you and show you what they are ready for. This is the approach we take at a Montessori school. As a Montessori parent, you will be able to come as a visitor and observe your child yourself on certain occasions. This will give you a deeper understanding of the art of observation in the Montessori classroom. You can also use the tools of observation at home by paying attention to your child’s eating habits, sleeping patterns, play, social habits, and temperament. By observing things like this, you can gain a better understanding of the needs of your child and how you can support them on their journey through childhood.