Observation

We welcome families in our community to come and take at look at our classrooms and see how the children are developing into a peaceful & harmonious classroom community.  It seems like such a short time ago we were having the beginning of the year open house / classroom visits and we were frantically attepmting to remember everyone's name.  The children have accomplished many great things in the weeks since then.

Please feel free to stop by some morning, grab a cup of coffee and observe!

How to Observe

The first glimpse of a Montessori classroom may seem confusing with all the activity. 
A few guidelines for observation are suggested:

First: Take a quick look around the room.  Notice--

• the individual activity of the children
• the range of ages of the children
• the type of equipment and materials
• the interaction of the children with little or no friction

Second:  Focus your attention on one of the teachers.  Notice--

• the composure
• the respect the teacher shows the child
• the teacher as an observer
• the manner the teacher uses to guide and assist children

Third:  Focus your attention on one child.  Notice--

• concentration on work
• succession of activities
• respect for teachers, other children, equipment
• enthusiasm and joy in each activity, self-satisfaction

Fourth:  Think a minute.  The children you are observing are 2 1/2 through 6 years of age.

•  Have you seen such peace and order before in this age group?

When observing through the classroom windows, please make sure the hall lighting is turned off.  Please be aware that voices may carrry into the classroom and can be disturbing to the class.