The Discerning Observer

by Anne Kruk, All Day Primary Teacher

With parent observations beginning this week, it is a good time to examine how to get the most out of your chance to see your child’s classroom in action.  Specific observation guidelines will be given to when you enter the room, but below are a few general suggestions to help focus your observation experience.  Enjoy your observation, and let me welcome you in advance to our classrooms!

Be unobtrusive

Having new adults in the room will be a novelty for many children.  By being as unobtrusive as possible, you can help the children focus on their work, and get a better sense of what is typical in the classroom.  Please remember to silence cell phones and keep them out of sight.  Paper can be provided for notes; taking photos is distracting to the children.  The children will have been instructed not to talk to observers, but may greet you or offer refreshments.  Feel free to reply to their greetings and accept or decline beverages as you like, but beyond that, please refrain from conversing with the children.

See the whole room

Remember, the observation of an act changes it; because you are there, your child will behave differently than usual.  Knowing this, it can be helpful to watch the other children at times, who will be less affected by your presence.

Look for lessons

The format of lessons differs somewhat between primary and elementary rooms, but in both cases the teacher has carefully considered the child’s (or children’s) progress, and chosen a new work which will be both satisfying and challenging to them.  In a primary room, look for the guide giving individual lessons, demonstrating an activity fully, and then turning the work over to the child immediately to let them practice on their own and perfect their skills at their own pace.

Observe cycles of work

Montessori education fosters independence, self-confidence and decision-making.  Try to see the cycle of children choosing an activity, getting that material, working with it, and putting it away -- all independently.  

Watch the social interactions

Children are free to move about the room, interacting with peers and adults within certain limitations.  Look for the way children observe each other’s work, socialize with each other, talk with adults, and ask for or provide help.  

Go back to the future

Have a younger child?  Watch the older children in the room to get a glimpse of the independence, confidence, and academic prowess awaiting your own child.  Is your child older?  Look at the younger children, who are just beginning their Montessori journey, and think back on how far your child has come.

It’s a snapshot, not a film

Your observation time, while invaluable for understanding your child’s school experience, is merely one small part of one day.  Every day includes its own ebb and flow, as children move about the classroom, work with materials, and socialize.  Remember that you are seeing one snapshot of their experience, not its entirety.