The Importance of Observation in Montessori Education
Observation is one of the most powerful tools in Montessori education, and it plays a central role in how teachers support student growth. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that to truly help a child, we must first understand them- and the best way to do that is by watching with intention, curiosity, and respect.
In Montessori classrooms, observation is not passive. Teachers are trained to look for patterns in how children move, choose work, interact with friends, handle challenges, and show interest in particular materials. These observations help teachers see where each child is developmentally, what they are ready for next, and how they learn best.
A few ways Montessori teachers use observation daily:
Understanding readiness: Instead of giving lessons based on age, teachers watch for signs that a child is developmentally ready such as sustained concentration, interest in a material, or growing independence.
Supporting behavior: Observation helps teachers pause and look for the why behind a behavior rather than reacting immediately. This allows them to respond in a way that is respectful, supportive, and aligned with the child’s needs.
Preparing the environment: Teachers continually adjust materials, classroom setup, and small group lessons based on what they see. If a group of students show a new curiosity- for example, about writing, science, or counting; teachers have the opportunity to prepare new invitations or lessons that meet that interest.
Nurturing independence: By observing each student, teachers avoid unnecessary help and instead step in only when needed. Observation lets them know when to offer assistance, when to model, and when to allow the student space to try on their own.
Observation also strengthens relationships. When children feel seen and understood, they trust more deeply and engage more confidently. This connection is a foundation of Montessori philosophy- and it’s one of the reasons observation is woven into every part of the day, from arrival and work to lunch, transitions, and time outdoors.
Through careful observation, Montessori educators are able to follow the child, support their natural development, and create an environment where each child can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.
How Observation Connects to Our Learning and Behavior Specialist Role
Alongside the daily observations made by Montessori teachers, PVMS also benefits from an additional layer of support through our Learning and Behavior Specialist. In this role, direct observations are conducted across classrooms to gain insight into students’ learning styles, social interactions, self-regulation skills, and academic progress.
These observations allow for:
Supporting teachers in understanding individual learning needs
Identifying when a student may benefit from additional supports or further evaluation
Collaborating with families to interpret assessment data and create meaningful learning or behavior plans
Offering of resources, strategies, and guidance that align with Montessori principles
Monitoring progress over time and adjusting supports as needed to ensure student growth
Through consistent classroom visits, weekly teacher meetings, and family collaboration, the goal is to help each student feel successful, confident, and supported in ways that honor their individuality. By combining the teacher’s daily observations with a specialized perspective, we create a more complete picture of each child. This approach allows our school community to work together in supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally, and behaviorally so each child can thrive here at PVMS.
To read more in depth about this aspect of Montessori pedagogy, see the article here.