How To Observe in a Montessori Classroom

The wonderful guys and gals at Montessori Madmen have shared this insightful guide to observation (originally provided by Little Things Montessori).  A Montessori classroom can seem as odd and confusing as an exotic foreign country, so consider this article your travel guide!

When I was a teacher, I was often frustrated by how parents behaved when they came to observe the classroom.  They would talk to each other, walk around the room, talk on their cell phones (yes, I'm not kidding), engage the children, and even try to help them accomplish activities they were perfectly capable of doing on their own!!  I had to remind myself that they weren't being rude on purpose - they just hadn't been educated on the importance of being "invisible" during observation.  

I hope every parent of a Montessori child takes a few moments to read this guide.  I love that it's written using positive and encouraging language that doesn't overwhelm or belittle parents who are new to Montessori.  Well done, Little Things Montessori!