Scribd
Upload
97 views4 pages

Montessori Observation-Merged

The document describes an observation assignment for a Montessori classroom. Key aspects of Montessori philosophy include multi-age grouping, prepared learning environments, and hands-on learning materials. The observer was to define these terms and observe for similarities and differences between the classroom and Montessori principles. However, the children were very young, so it was difficult to see teaching methods. The observer preferred aspects of Montessori like sensory learning but noted not everything was applicable to very young children.

Uploaded by

api-531197533
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
97 views4 pages

Montessori Observation-Merged

The document describes an observation assignment for a Montessori classroom. Key aspects of Montessori philosophy include multi-age grouping, prepared learning environments, and hands-on learning materials. The observer was to define these terms and observe for similarities and differences between the classroom and Montessori principles. However, the children were very young, so it was difficult to see teaching methods. The observer preferred aspects of Montessori like sensory learning but noted not everything was applicable to very young children.

Uploaded by

api-531197533
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Montessori

Observation
PUrpose:
NAEYC Professionals should have the ability to identify and compare
the characteristics of various programs for children. (NAEYC 1c)

Directions:
You will contact a STAR 3 or 4 Early Care Facility for your
observation placement. You will spend eight hours in this placement,
but only two hours will be spent on this specific observation task.

1. Have a teacher at the center sign your attendance form (on D2L) documenting your
two hours spent at this placement.

2. PRIOR TO YOUR VISIT… read the material in your textbook regarding the Montessori
Method and view the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOZlQ-43oX0

Key Points of Montessori


• Absorbent mind - The child is actively learning from sensory experiences
• Children from 4-7 years old are internally motivated to interact with the world
• Play is a waste of time

3. Define these key terms:


Multi-age Grouping:
Classroom Design:
Prepared Learning Environment:
Teacher Role:
Montessori Learning Materials:
Practical Life Activities:
Sensorial Exercises:
Caring Community:

4. During your two hours (spent in one or two visits), watch and record the similarities
and difference in the key points of Montessori philosophy listed. Address the key terms
as well. Finish your observation with a reflection of which you prefer and why.

Place the typed observation in the “Montessori” Dropbox by the due date

5. Don’t forget to also complete ONE 15 minute snapshot while you are at this placement
and drop it in the “15 Minute Snapshot” Dropbox by the due date
Montessori Observation Definitions

Multi-age grouping – Montessori believed children of various ages should be in the same classroom.
This could mean 18 months-3 years or even middle and high schoolers being together.

Classroom design -- Maria designed child-sized tables and other furniture and made sure materials were
reachable for children. The design is geared toward independence.

Prepared learning environment – a learning environment that has been set up before hand by the
facilitator. Montessori teachers spend hours of preparation for the next day. This prevents wasting
time and facilitates learning.

Teacher role – the teacher’s role is to prepare the environment, observe the children, and demonstrate
materials and NOT to interfere with the learning.

Montessori learning materials – puzzles with knobs, cloth boards with buttons and buttonholes are two
learning materials that can be found in a Montessori classroom. The materials themselves promote
learning and are not playthings.

Practical live activities – handwashing, mopping, watering plants, washing windows are examples of
practical life experiences that children participate in in a Montessori school.

Sensorial experiences – Montessori promotes experience with all 5 senses in the classroom. Children
have the opportunity to learn through touching, seeing, smelling, tasting and hearing.

Caring community – the students in a Montessori classroom learn to respect each other, show grave and
courtesy and work together to care for the environment.
Montessori Observation

There were a few differences and similarities in the classroom in which I observed and a Montessori
classroom, but because the age group I was put in was babies, it was hard to see any teaching principles.
Something I did notice was that there were not very many different sensory items. The children were
mostly playing with either a hard toy or a soft toy. There wasn’t anything scratchy or moldable for them
to play with. Most of the time I was there was play time or nap time with a little snack thrown in the
mix. Because of this, I believe the classroom was not based on Montessori whatsoever, but again, the
children were so young that I am not sure if it would have mattered.

Reflection

I prefer Montessori over a typical classroom. While I do not agree with everything that Maria
Montessori said and believed, I do agree that children should be learning through sensorial experiences
and should have opportunities to use all five senses. I do not believe that play is a waste of time, but I
do agree that even play should be used as a learning experience. However, there are times when a child
needs to play and not be expected to learn something. This is where I disagree with Montessori.
Regardless of my opinion on play, I do love Montessori classrooms and believe they are extremely
beneficial to the children who attend them.
Field Placeme nt Attenda nce Form

Field Placeme nt Candida te Informa tion


Name: Wn Fo m of£
Course Number: I\ l Course Name: Puhtia mtda ls of: Eor lv
/
Oict.
Semeste r/Year: Fa// 202-D
Field Placeme nt Informa tion
School District Name: ~ f asfer h
School Name: - ~ School Phone: ] 17 - 3&J_- '7 M1J
rt-
----'-
)D:r____,_--=0---=Y
Grade Level or Age Level: --'-'- '----- --- - - - - -- -- - -

Mentor Teacher Name: -~S~Dfl4v--=' ____~_ --- --- --- ---


~-----'illc--½~;;;£,_____
_ _ _ __
Email Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Phone Extensio n: _-

Field Placeme nt Log

Start 'Eime End Time Hom-s


lC) \ 4 s

Total Hours

You might also like