Guidelines for Observation

 

*Observations are between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. Please schedule an appointment in advance.*

 Dear Parents,

Thank you for your interest in The Baan Dek Montessori. We are extremely pleased that you have expressed a desire to observe the classroom. We welcome you to schedule a time to visit and recommend any Wednesday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

One of the most important elements of any Montessori school is the composition of the classroom: the atmosphere, the social interactions, the role of the director and of course, the children. 

To ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, please find below a list of guidelines and questions that will help assist you in your observation. 

1. Classroom Atmosphere

The classroom is essential to the composition of the Montessori approach to education and it is important that it remain ‘prepared’ for the children. Each material has been placed on the shelf in a specific location i.e.: practical life, sensorial, math, culture, ect. and is designed to help the child acquire a certain skill in a precise manner. 

2. Independence of Children

Please notice the interaction of the children, both with the classroom and the materials, but also with other students and the directors. Each child learns in a different way, so you will see children learning independently at their own tables, or in groups working collectively. At other times you might see a child walking through the classroom not directly engaged in any activity, but this child is absorbing the other children and the materials through observation. 

3. Role of the Montessori Director

The role of the director in the Montessori classroom is not founded upon the traditional model of teacher, as one that teaches in front of the class, but rather on the notion that the director should guide the children and ‘help them to help themselves’. The director helps to facilitate the children’s autonomous process of learning. She guides the children as she prepares the classroom and demonstrates the use of the materials. Because each child learns differently, the director needs to respect each child and their particular method of learning, understanding when encouragement is needed, or when indifferent appreciation is required. 

4. Social Interactions

There are a number of points to look for in the Montessori classroom, such as the manner in which children offer assistance to one another, both with the materials and with their daily routines. Please note how there is a definite community in the classroom and how each child naturally desires to be a part of it. Also consider how the younger children learn from the older ones and how much the older ones learn from helping the younger ones.

Classroom Observation: Things to Look For

The Classroom

Is the classroom neat and orderly?

Are the materials easily accessible to the children?

Do the materials seem to be positioned accordingly?

Is the room aesthetically pleasing?

The Director

Is the director relaxed in the classroom?

Does the director maintain order and discipline if needed?

Do the children obey her readily and warmly?

Is each child addressed softly and compassionately?

Does the director move about the class gracefully?

Is the director aware of what is happening in the classroom?

Is each child treated with respect?

The Children

Are the children relaxed and happy to be in the classroom?

Do the children adhere to the rules and structure of the class?

Do the children listen to the director and ask for help when needed?

Do the children finish their work once it is chosen?

Is their work used in an orderly fashion and returned when finished?

Do the children enjoy working together and get along with their classmates?

How is their concentration? Do they concentrate for long periods of time?

Do the children work independently or in groups?

Our Aim at The Baan Dek Montessori

To offer the children a place to call home. A place to care for, to nurture and respect, an atmosphere that is calm and peaceful and creates the space needed for each child to blossom into a compassionate, dedicated, interested, enthusiastic, motivated, confident, respectful and loving person.