Montessori Childrens House
of the west coast

Observe Your Child

Posted on Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Montessori teachers are trained to be keen observers of children’s behavior. These observations enable us to ascertain where each child is at in their stage of development.  Observations also help us construct and alter our learning environments to meet the needs of the children in the class, know which presentations to give and the level of freedom and responsibility each child is capable of assuming. I would encourage parents to also be keen observers of their own child’s development.  Take a few moments each day to notice the small details of your child’s life (e.g. how he uses language, her level of independence, his likes and dislikes, her interest in the world around her, etc.). You may want to keep a journal of these observations and then discuss them with your partner. Your reflections on matters such as your child’s emotional development, physical needs, changing eating habits, likes and dislikes, friends, activities around the house and sibling dynamics will prepare you to support your child’s development. This will also enable you to rethink freedom and responsibilities, limits and structure, and materials and activities in the home and adjust them accordingly.