A Guide To Montessori Observation For Parents (Why & How?)

When I decided to start observing my child I went straight to the Montessori guides to learn what to look for while observing and how to use the information I gathered to support my child’s development and learning at home. I would love to help you do the same.

Observation in Montessori refers to the act of paying close attention to the child while they are engaged in an activity. Objective notes are made concerning, amongst others, fine motor-, gross motor-, social and language skills.

The act of observing is simple but you need to know what you are looking for along with a couple of dos and don’ts. Then you can start practicing until it becomes second nature. The added benefit is that you learn how to be more present and calm. Who doesn’t need more of that?

Everything you need to know about Montessori Observation & how you can use it at home.

What is Observation in Montessori?

Observation is the single most important task of every Montessori guide in their classroom. It is the go-to solution to answering every question one might have about a child.

There are three different types of observations we should make according to Dr. Montessori:

• Direct observation of the self – paying attention to your feelings, thoughts, and reactions.
• Direct observation of the child – sitting quietly and watching the child.
• Indirect observation – things we notice during our interactions with the child.

Guides also use observation in the classroom to assess the children’s progress. They record all their findings and use the information to decide how and where a child might need some help.

Why is it important to observe your child at home?

1/Observation brings understanding and appreciation of the child as an individual

The most important thing you can do as a parent is to realize that your child is their person and to allow them to be who they are. We let go of preconceived ideas about what we want for them and we don’t compare them to others. We also start trusting that they are natural learners who will follow their method instead of ours.

This can start as soon as they are born. We acknowledge that our babies are whole people with their point of view. We are both working on getting to know each other every day.

We can give our baby some free playtime on a blanket on the floor surrounded by a couple of simple play objects that are within arm’s reach. We can sit back and enjoy watching them select and interact with the objects or notice how they are moving their bodies to see what they are physically working on mastering.

When we look at our children with this in mind, we start relishing their individuality. We also realize how capable they are and that we can learn more from them than we initially realized. When we stop trying to make them fit our ideals (or that society places on us) we can relax and just enjoy each other’s company.

All of this can only happen when we take a step back and let them make decisions like what they play with or how they hold their spoon or stop ourselves from interfering unnecessarily.

2/Observation helps us find out what our child is interested in

When we spend time watching our children it becomes apparent what their likes and dislikes are. You will notice what gets played with and what hardly gets touched. All of this can help inform us about what our child’s interests are so we can incorporate more of what they like into their day.

People learn better when they are naturally interested in the topic they are learning about so it helps when you know what your child is interested in. You can build on this topic and introduce related information.

For example, if your child has shown an interest in sharks, you can suggest a trip to the aquarium or buy a book about sealife to further explore the world of the shark. Perhaps they are also interested in other sea life.

3/Observing helps us improve our demonstrations

Modeling behavior is how people learn. This means your child learns by watching you. How to use a knife, pour water, or sweep the floor. You are busy demonstrating every day and they are taking it all in.

But when we observe our child we will notice where exactly they need help (let’s say holding the dustpan and brush – not tilting the pan towards the floor) we can make a point of demonstrating instead of correcting and interfering. We can make a point of slightly over-dramatize the area they are not getting in hopes that they will notice and correct on their own.

4/Observation guides us to adapt the environment for more independence

One of the most noticeable differences in a Montessori home is how the environment has been altered to help the child do things for themselves. The objective being to increase independence. Observation helps us see whether our alterations are successful or not.

When we observe how they brush their teeth or pour themselves a glass of water, it can quickly become obvious that something is missing from the environment or that there is an obstacle that needs to be removed. This could be something small like a hook in the bathroom to hang up the towel instead of the towel rail. Or perhaps the liquid soap dispenser is too stiff and the bottle keeps slipping – perhaps a bar of soap will be better. You will only know if you observe how they use the space.

This also means that you will always be changing the environment to keep up with their increasing skill level.

5/We can more accurately determine the stage of development our child is in by observing

You are mainly trying to determine where your child fits into the developmental scale to make sure you are offering enough opportunity for practicing certain skills. Not to compare them to others.

You will also know what sensitive period your child is currently in. this is so helpful to know especially when you understand what each sensitive period is about.

6/Accurate observation helps us to respond not react

Even though I’ve placed this one last – it is probably the most important reason to consider observation to begin with. This is self-improvement 101. If you only do one thing for your child – make sure you give them a calm parent who can stay present and shoulder life’s ups and downs without losing control. You will make better decisions and model better behavior – it’s a win-win for everyone involved!

How to observe your child at home?

The success of your observational abilities will to a large extent be dependent on your ability to be present and mindful. It’s much like meditation in the sense that your mind is not preoccupied with thoughts about the past or the future. You are simply being. You are not becoming emotionally involved in what is happening and you are not trying to escape the present by distracting yourself.

Before you attempt to officially observe your child (and make notes) start by getting into the habit of practicing mindfulness. Do it for 5 to 10 minutes at a time and work your way up to 20 minutes or longer. Your mind will wander, and that’s okay, just bring yourself back to the present again. You can practice this while your child is playing – just sit there and watch them.

4 Steps to observe your child at home

#1 To plan or not to plan

Decide on a time in your daily routine that might be suited for observation. Like when you know your child will be engaged in free play for a while. You could also decide to play it by ear and just keep a notebook on you for when the moment strikes.

#2 Get into the right frame of mind

There is no point in trying to observe your child while you are stressed, rushed, or busy doing a million things at once. You have to be calm with no pressing or immediate obligations. Make a cup of tea if it will help. This is the most important step.

#3 Practice objective and factual recording

Imagine you are an announcer at a sports event. You only report what you see – not your interpretation of what you think is happening. Your notes should sound a bit robotic.

He holds the pen in his left hand. Passes over to his right. Presses down hard on the paper. The point of the pencil breaks. He throws the pencil and walks over to the balls.

#4 Assess your findings at a later stage.

Don’t try and do any assessment during observation. You can go through your notes later and make sense of what you can learn from them.

7 Tips for better observation

1. Keep a notebook or clipboard and pen in your child’s main play area
2. Be still and listen. Only respond when spoken to.
3. Do not interfere, advise, correct, or question – act like a scientist
4. Take notes old school. No devices.
5. Don’t assess while observing – assessment happens afterward
6. Be objective and practice not assuming or projecting (again – think of being a scientist)
7. Keep the objective in mind – to better understand and offer meaningful help

Montessori observation checklist

You don’t have to use a checklist every time you happen to observe your child but it might be a helpful way to start. It helps to know what you are looking for by asking specific questions and to get into the habit of noticing the subtleties.

Fine motor skills

• How do they hold their spoon/crayon/paintbrush?
• How do they pick up the knobbed puzzle?
• Which hand do they use?
• Which skills are they focussing on?
• How do they hold a ball or pick up an object?

Gross motor skills

• How do they transfer or carry objects?
• How do they balance
• How do they move their arms while walking?
• How do they sit down on the floor/chair?
• How do they get up from the floor/chair?
• Does the environment help or hinder their movements?
• How do the climb/run/jump?
• What types of activities do they choose?

Social skills

• How do they communicate?
• How do they expressing themselves?
• How do they smile/cry?
• How long do they cry and at what intensity?
• How do we respond when they laugh/cry/complain?
• How do they voice discomfort?

Language skills

• Which language skills are they currently working on?
• Notice their body language and eye contact
• How do they interact with others during play?
• How do they communicate with adults/children?
• Do they say hello/goodbye?
• How do they ask for help?
• How do they offer help?
• How do they react to other’s emotions?

Child’s individual interests

• What are they interested in right now?
• What activities do they most often choose?
• What are they repeating?
• How long do they play with a specific toy or engage with an activity?

Emotional development

• Their emotional state that day (as background)
• How do they comfort themselves?
• How do we react when they are upset?
• How do they react to separation?
• How do they handle things going wrong?
• What do they do when they become frustrated?

Eating

• How much do they eat at a time
• How often do they get hungry
• What do they like eating?
• How do they eat (cutlery etc.)
• How do they sit at the table?
• Wipe their mouth/hold their glass?

Self-observations

Turn your scientific eye towards yourself. This is probably the hardest part of observation and involves being very honest with yourself. Be as objective as possible and ask yourself some personal questions. How do I react when my child is upset? How do I respond to my child’s frustration?

Our children notice everything about us. Our body language and even the slightest change in our voice. Be mindful of your actions and their effects.

When should you start?

The great news is that you can start at any time. It would be ideal to start when your child is born but it is never too late to learn how you can support your child.

If you are familiar with the RIE approach (Respectful Parenting) you will notice how similar Montessori observation is to what Magda Gerber advises us to do with our babies.

Quietly observe them without interfering or making judgments or projecting. When we do this we notice all the wonderful things our babies do while allowing them to choose their activity. It’s a great way to start practicing observation since it is a skill that we should practice.

Please read my post on RIE

How often should you do these observations?

There are no hard and fast rules here either. I think the emphasis should be on building a habit so that it eventually comes naturally and you will be able to do it on the fly. It’s the quality of observation, not the quantity that helps us determine where to assist and how to tweak our environment to support our child.

How do you recording your findings

There are plenty of templates online for Montessori observations and assessments but they are more designed with the classroom in mind. I have created My Montessori Observation Aid

I have a clipboard and pen lying around our living room/dining room where we spend the majority of our time.

What to do after you’ve made your observations

This is the real goal of observation. To become informed and respond with improvements to enhance our child’s development, independence, and general experience.

Observation will inform every decision that you make. Whether it’s about the toys to rotate or what birthday present to buy or how to tweak their environment.

Happy observing!