As a Montessori Teacher, I often reflect on my practice. It is tantamount to do so unless you want to get stuck in a rut (well I don’t!). Sometimes I can be hard on myself because I know my role is essential to every child I meet. I also reflect on my relationship with my own children; what works well in our routine, and what rules I need to tweak in order to be fair to everybody (it’s hard!).
Currently, I am enrolled for AMI 3-6 Assistants Course, and Carol Potts is my trainer. Our first lecture was about the Role of the Adults. In our day to day, as we get so caught up in our lives, do we get a chance to slow down and observe our children? Do you know that Maria Montessori’s observation about children was a breakthrough that paved way to Montessori pedagogy? It is through her scientific observation which she noted that children are born with so much potential and it is up to adults how we can harness it.
Observation is a big part of a Montessori Teacher as this is how we get to know each child in the classroom and what presentations we can present to them at a particular moment. It is crucial to be able to present a lesson to a child that will capture their interest. It is also through observation if the materials or activities in our prepared environment is meeting the needs of all the children.
Observation can be a powerful tool for parents too. I often ask my parents in my class to “watch” or “observe” when their child is engaged in an activity. You can learn so much about your child by merely stepping back and watching them how they learn. You don’t really have to say anything, but you are intently watching your little one.
Why don’t you step back a little bit? Try not to interfere when they are playing and completely engaged with what they’re doing. It is through observation we learn more about our child, and then we can follow their interests and offer what they need.
Go on, start with 5 minutes of uninterrupted time and just simply enjoy the moment.
“ The teacher must not learn a new method, but most acquire new attitude” – Maria Montessori
