Classroom Observations
Guidelines for Observing
Thank you for observing at Élan Vital Montessori School. We welcome you into the classroom to observe and to gain a better understanding of Montessori philosophy and curriculum. In order to observe a true environment and to be able to see the children working as they do when you are not present, we have a few guidelines for you to follow.
Guidelines:
· Turn off all electronic devises.
· Dispose of any food or drink before leaving the office.
· Enter the classroom quietly.
· Sit in the chair provided for visitors. The chair has been put in a specific place for you to get the best view.
· Please remain seated during the entire observation time.
· Watch what happens without interfering. Please remember that this is an observation and not a time for interaction.
· If a child talks to you, briefly ask him or her to allow you to do your work, which is to observe.
· Exit as quietly as you entered.
Please complete and return the attached form to guide your observation. Thank you for observing our school!
Guided Questions for Observations
Please use the following questions to guide your observations.
1. What do you notice that is child-centered about this environment (furniture, shelves, materials, etc.)?
2. How are children engaged with peers, with teachers, and with materials?
3. Can the child take the work from the shelf, complete the work, record his/her work, and return it to the shelf (the work cycle)?
4. Is the child able to concentrate on his or her work or is s/he easily distracted?
5. Does the child show independence in scheduling his or her own work or does s/he look to classmates and/or teachers for directions and ideas?
6. Do you observe an atmosphere of respect between the teacher and the children?
7. Does the class atmosphere promote learning?
8. Do you have any other observations or questions?
Thank you for observing at Élan Vital Montessori School. We welcome you into the classroom to observe and to gain a better understanding of Montessori philosophy and curriculum. In order to observe a true environment and to be able to see the children working as they do when you are not present, we have a few guidelines for you to follow.
Guidelines:
· Turn off all electronic devises.
· Dispose of any food or drink before leaving the office.
· Enter the classroom quietly.
· Sit in the chair provided for visitors. The chair has been put in a specific place for you to get the best view.
· Please remain seated during the entire observation time.
· Watch what happens without interfering. Please remember that this is an observation and not a time for interaction.
· If a child talks to you, briefly ask him or her to allow you to do your work, which is to observe.
· Exit as quietly as you entered.
Please complete and return the attached form to guide your observation. Thank you for observing our school!
Guided Questions for Observations
Please use the following questions to guide your observations.
1. What do you notice that is child-centered about this environment (furniture, shelves, materials, etc.)?
2. How are children engaged with peers, with teachers, and with materials?
3. Can the child take the work from the shelf, complete the work, record his/her work, and return it to the shelf (the work cycle)?
4. Is the child able to concentrate on his or her work or is s/he easily distracted?
5. Does the child show independence in scheduling his or her own work or does s/he look to classmates and/or teachers for directions and ideas?
6. Do you observe an atmosphere of respect between the teacher and the children?
7. Does the class atmosphere promote learning?
8. Do you have any other observations or questions?
