Montessori encourages classroom observation for parents, teachers, and extended community.
We are delighted to have you visit our classroom. The opportunity for parents to observe is a chance for you to experience what a Montessori classroom is like. This might be your first encounter with the Montessori method, your initial visit to our school, or simply a way to learn more about your child’s daily activities. To provide you with the best understanding possible, we ask that you follow these guidelines. We will also share some tips on how to observe and interpret what you see.
Guidelines for Parent Observation in the Primary/Preschool Classroom:
Initial Set-Up:
- You’ll be shown to an observation chair.
- Refrain from engaging children in conversations; a simple “Hello” is okay.
- Encourage them to return to their work.
Child Reactions:
- Don’t be alarmed if your child reacts strongly (crying, clinging, etc.).
- The teacher can help if your child struggles to separate from you.
Teacher Interaction:
- Teachers may not be available for discussion during your visit; jot down questions for later.
Observation Duration:
- Typically 30 minutes, but can range from 15 to 60 minutes depending on the purpose of the observation.
While it’s natural to focus on your own child, try to take a broader view of the entire classroom, alternating between a wide shot of the whole space and a zoomed-in look at specific children.
Tips for your Observation:
We have found it helpful to provide a framework for observing and understanding the dynamics of the Montessori classroom. Many parents feel overwhelmed by the various activities when they first enter the busy environment. The following suggestions are designed to help you focus your observations.
Visual Focus:
- Observe the entire classroom, alternating between a broad view and focusing on individual children.
Auditory Awareness:
- Notice fluctuations in sound levels and the dynamics of interactions.
Learning Styles:
- Watch how children cooperate, engage individually, or explore by observing peers.
Communication & Respect:
- Pay attention to how children communicate and the respect shown in their interactions.
Teacher Engagement:
- Note how teachers facilitate learning, correct students, and allow autonomy.
Social Dynamics:
- Observe children helping each other and interacting socially, especially during activities like snack time.
Developmental Interaction:
- Note how older children assist younger ones, fostering community and responsibility.
Autonomy:
- Witness children navigating their environment, taking ownership of tasks and materials.
Prepared Environment:
- Observe the arrangement and quality of materials, which encourages learning and independence.
Notice how a child selects a piece of work, retrieves it from the shelf, completes it, and then returns it for the next child to use.
The Montessori framework grants children the freedom to spend as much time as they need to finish their tasks to their satisfaction, with success serving as the main reward.
Conclusion:
We understand that you may not be able to perceive all the aspects of the classroom described above, and we hope you won’t feel disappointed if some elements are missing during your parent observation or if you fail to notice everything. We recognize that it can be challenging to learn how to “read” a Montessori classroom at first, but with each successive visit, your understanding will deepen. We eagerly anticipate your next visit and look forward to sharing the joy we experience being part of the children’s developmental journey.
Are you looking for a Montessori school for your child? Download our handy checklist for reference during your next preschool tour: What to Look for In a Montessori Preschool.
Want to learn more? Contact us today for a tour!
