​Parent Observations

Before You Observe
Parents are invited to observe their child’s class once each semester. These observation times are scheduled in advance (usually at a parent meeting), prior to your conference with your child’s guide. One frequently hears the Montessori environment referred to as an orderly chaos, or an “ocean of activity.” Activity is truly the keynote of Montessori; mind and muscle must function freely and together. To help our visitors recognize the various types of work the children are involved in, we are listing some of the very important principles to keep in mind.

1. The child is helped to become independent, confident and self-controlled. This is why the structured materials are designed for individual use. These materials are also self-controlling and self-correcting. They create patterns of success and progress and encourage precision requiring small muscle manipulation. Free movement of the body is involved in nearly every exercise. This freedom helps to fix interest and attention, leads to concentration and prevents fatigue. So you will see children on the move: carrying, kneeling, sweeping, rolling rugs, polishing, etc.
2. In order to release the creative power present in every healthy child, all exercises are geared for success and accomplishment and to reduce chances of failure. Outside pressure is eliminated. This covers competition, comparison, external rewards and punishments. The guide tries to reveal the child rather than mold him.
3. During your visit, then, notice the variety of purposeful activities which are self-chosen and selfdirected, the amount of movement, the lively and natural, rather than directed, social interaction of the children, the relaxed, unhurried atmosphere, the spontaneous interest in work. Watch the adults moving about within the flow of activities, assisting, but not interfering, remaining calm, patient, and respectful. To be noted, too, is the child’s freedom to respond in his own particular way (provided he does not disturb) so that his individual needs and inclinations can be met.
4. Please keep in mind that your observation is only for a short period of time, and that each hour of every day within a Montessori classroom varies. There is no set schedule or routine, children’s moods and requirements are different, and we try to interpret their particular needs and satisfy them.

General Guidelines for Parent Observation
​Please read this page thoroughly before going into the class.

1. You should be natural with your child, but not have long conversations with him/her. Remember that you are here to observe. The children have been told you have come to see them work. If they hang around you, tell them, just once, that you want to see them do their work.
2. Be prepared for anything that might happen from your child. Don’t be disappointed if he seems to be less than himself. It is very exciting to have a mom or dad come to school, so your presence will undoubtedly make some difference in his normal routine.
3. You may stay as long as 20 minutes. If you think your child seems to be having a hard time while you are there, it may be wise to leave sooner.
4. Remember that you are looking in for a very short time on a very long developmental process. Your child will be doing things today he might not have done a week ago and might not work on again for another week. Each child is different and each child works at his own pace.
5. When you are ready to leave, go to your child and say something like, “I have to go now. I will see you at noon, or after school. Good-bye.” Then go to the door and close it behind you.
6. Please call in advance so that we can be sure we are not overly crowded with observers on any given day.

Important Observations in a Montessori Classroom
Look for the presence, absence and growth of the following areas:

​​1. Exercise of free choice
a. Spontaneous invitation
b. Ability to choose

2. Interest in work
a. Attention span
b. Care in details, sequence, and orderliness

3. Control and coordination
a. Handling of material
b. Muscular coordination
c. Hand/eye coordination
d. Precision towards perfection

4. Concentration
a. Stays with work until the end
b. Repetition

5. Independence
a. Can work well alone
b. Needs teacher’s help at times

6. Tidying up
a. Puts materials back
b. Helps keep the environment in good order

7. Achievement
a. Presentation (1st period)
b. Practice (2nd period)
c. Knowledge (3rd period)
d. Memorization
e. Use of knowledge
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8. Social relationships
a. Respect
b. Cooperation/Collaboration
c. Helpfulness