Observation

One of the most vital teaching tools available to Montessori teachers is observation. Scientifically applied observation skills allow the practitioner to assess situations, children and strategies without judgment. Observation is a critical component of lesson planning and management of the classroom. 


VIDEOS IN THIS CATEGORY:


A TO I & PRIMARY:

HAZEL SETS THE TABLE (5:50)
The Montessori teacher undergoes a transformation during her teacher training to develop the ability to see the child through fresh eyes.

JOURNEY TO INDEPENDENCE (21:47) 
An exploration of how Montessori practice supports the natural unfolding of human development in the earliest years. This video includes topics such as the need for sharp observation skills, the importance of dynamic language, what "toddler" concentration looks like in the infant community and a brief overview of when a child is ready to transition from the infant community into a primary setting. 

MONTESSORI’S INTUITION (6:53)
Dr. Montessori's informed intuition led her to techniques of working with children, such as the three period language lesson, that reflect today's scientific discoveries about human learning.


ASSISTANTS TO INFANCY (0-3):

THE CHILD’S WORK (19:56)
Young children are driven by an internal growth process to seek out experiences that meet their constantly evolving developmental needs.This video includes a discussion of the development of the child's will, how learning is deeply tied to movement in these early years and how nature provides a road map for the adult in meeting the constantly changing needs of children. 

WATER (7:28)
A story of gently guided exploration. 


PRIMARY (3-6):

CONNECTION (7:57)
The Montessori primary teacher is asked to become the “dynamic link” to the prepared environment for the child. 

PEER TO PEER LEARNING (9:39)
Nested primary communities of multi-aged children automatically create and expose children to a variety of social roles.

THE BEAD CHAIN (7:25)
A story of persistence. 


PRIMARY & ELEMENTARY:

GOING OUT (12:40)
Preparing the elementary child for the future includes going beyond the classroom.

OBSERVATION OF THE TEACHER (16:16)
An exploration of the role observation plays in our daily practice in both the primary and elementary setting.


ELEMENTARY (6-12):

DISCOVERY (8:23)
Capturing ordinary days in a Montessori environment...  Inspiring an elementary classroom culture of scientific inquiry.

MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES (17:33)
A look at the Montessori teacher’s role in setting the tone and supporting social-emotional development in the elementary classroom.


All Age Levels:

SUPPORT FOR MONTESSORI PRACTICE: NEW TEACHERS (16:30)
The first years of Montessori practice present unique challenges for newly trained teachers. Teacher trainers from all age levels of practice explore some of the dynamics involved. They describe the type of support a budding guide needs to successfully navigate his/her critical beginning years.