Observation and Movement Techniques in Montessori Method

Observation Techniques

“Observation is the key to understand the child.” Observation is important in two aspects: the child and the environment. It makes possible to note down the needs of progress for each child, and gives opportunity for understanding both the nature and the character of the child. More than a technical skill, it is an active process. One should not mix the observation with record keeping. Observation gives us idea what child is interested and what the problem is. Furthermore, it helps us for planning the future and finding a way of supporting the child better. It gives a whole perspective about relations, language, culture, ethics, etc. We can recognize our own strength and weaknesses through observation, also.

There are two ways of observation:

·         Take a chair and just record, there is no interaction.

·         While working with a child, keep observing the others.

Here are the key factors to be considered before, during and after the observation:

v  Get prepared before: Take an inside shoes, a lot of paper and pen with you.

v  It is important to observe not only the child but also the adult.

v  Adult should be exact and objective.

v  Record just real facts, not interpretation.

v  “Always, never, sometimes, often…” such words lead to misunderstanding, avoid using them.

v  Eliminate prejudice.

v  First impression can mislead: Our previous experiences affect the way we interpret the child.

v  Do not ask information at the beginning to the guide. You should not have any background info.

v  Concentration is very important.

v  Patience is needed, because observation is a process, not a result.

v  You should have mental ability, ability to observe from the distance.

v  Practice is needed: Preparation both physically and psychologically is important. You should eat, drink whatever you need, go to bathroom, and wear suitable clothes before the observation, so that nothing should prevent you from observing the child.

v  You should refine your senses: You should be capable of observing from a distance or hearing what is going on from a distance.

v  Be ready emotional and physical conditions: being tired, sleepy, in a bad mood.

v  Be interested in child: Every single detail should be important.

v  Write conversations exactly in words of children, do not paraphrase them.

v  Do not focus on mistakes. The lack of some ability gives us about the need of extra presentation, or readiness of his brain.

v  In the end of observation, write a conclusion including interpretation, brief and a guide for future development.

 

Recording of the Observation:

 

§  On the left side, time should be written.

§  Normally, you can write down in every ten minutes. But it depends on the child and activity.

§  Write about the weather. It can influence the children.

§  Write about your mood.

§  Describe your observation.

§  It usually takes three hours. In the end of three hours, write about your mood again.

§  Write on hand, in the environment; do not make any correction or addition later.

§  Conclude with your observation. Give suggestions regarding future planning.

Group Observation:

§  You need to know background information of the group.

§  Are they using polite language?

§  Are they fighting?

§  What are the rules around?

§  How do they benefit from the material in social aspect?

§  What group activities done in group?

§  Do all children finish the activity together?

§  Focus on different activities, in order not to miss anything.

Some Presentation Techniques

      There are certain rules in presentations and doing some daily life routines, such as folding an apron or fabrics, clothes, rolling and unrolling a rug, carrying a chair, etc. These movements that we do severaltimes in a day is not done occasionally in a Montessori environment,but done in a manner that each movement has a purpose behind it, and serves for an aim, such as taking the child's developmental stage into consideration, or avoid distracting their attention.  Each step is shown slowly, always in the same manner and order, without any conversation and avoiding unnecessary movements. 

•       In the video below, since I do not have a child with me there, I did not include inviting the child step. 
• We start with unrolling and take the rug from the place where it is kept. We show how to carry and put on the floor.

• While unrolling try to turn the wrist of the hand and release the hand as far as the second hand holds the rug. When the rug is unrolled walk around it with the child. Here you will see the rug from all sides and proof whether there is space for other children to walk between the rug and the furniture. (The rug represents the working space of the child so others should go around in order not to interrupt). Also you will provide the calm way of walking in the room.