Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to visit us.
During your observation, you may notice that the directress is focusing her attention more on maintaining a stable work environment in the classroom than on introducing new lessons to the children. The presence of additional adults can affect the dynamics of the classroom. We ask that you follow the guidelines below to minimize the impact you may on our students’ normal daily activities:
• Please remain in the visitor’s chair.
• Please refrain from initiating interaction with the children.
• The children may approach you and introduce themselves. You are most welcome to tell them your name using a quiet voice, but please refrain from lengthy conversations.
• For child protection reasons, you are not permitted to photograph or film the children in the classroom.
• At the close of your visit, please stand up and exit the room quietly. Don’t feel the need to say goodbye to your child.
The children are aware that parents will come and go without disturbing their daily routines. If you are the parent of a child in the classroom you may or may not observe a normal day of activity for your child. It is difficult for some children to manage their emotional attachment to you and sustain their independence in the classroom simultaneously.
Here are some aspects of the Montessori classroom you may wish to watch for:
• Observe the children’s responses to the total classroom: people, materials, etc.
• Notice how they initiate activities (independence).
• Note which activities are initiated by the child and which ones by the directress/guide.
• Note the ability to concentrate and to be absorbed, how it varies from child to child, and how certain activities serve to focus their attention on an isolated stimulus.
• Notice how some children, even when distracted, return easily to their work.
• Watch the number of small groups and/or individual activities.
• Watch the interaction between the children. Is there teamwork, courtesy, etc.?
• Consider the complexity of the exercises and indirect skills learned (putting material back in its proper place, waiting for the material to be available, replenishing supplies, etc).
• First-year elementary parents may also notice some differences between the Casa and elementary environments. For example, the elementary class is structured in a way that enables and encourages children to actively collaborate with one another.
Please note your questions and discoveries. We will be most happy to schedule a follow-up appointment either by telephone or in person to discuss your queries with us. Your cooperation is much appreciated.
Enjoy your observation!