Some hints on observing the Primary Classroom, continued...
We have found it helpful to offer a guide to observing and
interpreting the dynamics of the Montessori classroom. Many
parents, upon first entering the environment when it is abuzz
with children, feel overwhelmed by the diverse activities that
are going on. The suggestions below are intended to be a focus
point for your attention.
Visual Perspective: There is more to the Montessori classroom
than the activities of one particular child. Naturally, the
first tendency of parents is to focus and follow their own
child's activities. First time observers may be attracted to
one child or a group of the oldest or youngest children. Try
to observe in a context - alternate between a wide-angled view
of the entire classroom and a focus on a particular child.
Auditory Perspective: Listen to the noise level as it rises and
falls. Try to see which groups or individual children are
generating the sound. You will hear the normal hubbub of children
being together and the special pitch of the children being excited
about learning. At times there will be a special peak of excitement
of discovery. See if you can differentiate.
Learning: Notice that children learn in different ways. With some
types of materials you will see groups of children working
cooperatively, and with others you will find an individual child
working alone intensely. Still other children are walking through
the classroom seemingly not engaged in any direct activity. Very
often, this last type of child is engaged in actively absorbing
information through observation of the children and the materials
in the classroom. It will help if you alternate your focus on
these three learning patterns. Note the ease and joy with which
the children work. You will see the intense self-gratification
that the learning process affords the child.