The power of child’s observation

A child learns a lot in his sensitive period through his observation. The child has the ability to absorb the knowledge around him and teach himself through the observed knowledge. A little observation by the teachers can improve a child's  path towards his learning and development.
Children are skilled observers. In a Montessori Childcare, if you take a step back and observe the children as they work and explore their environment, you will realize that kids learn by observing. They do not need to be taught how to play, walk, talk or do certain tasks.. They simply observe and repeat what they observe. 
What is Observation
There are three kinds of observation,

• The Direct Observation of Self
• The Direct Observation of a Child
• The Indirect Observation

In the direct observation of one self, we do self-observation consciously. We focus on our own thoughts and feelings and how we react in certain scenarios. In the direct observation of a child, we just focus on watching him attentively and observe all his activities with keen interest.  Whereas in the indirect observation of the child, we observe him while being engaged with him in different  tasks. For example, when we work, play or get engaged in some projects with kids, we observe closely all their actions and reactions. All of these observations are very important and helpful in the Montessori School environment..

Why is Observation necessary?

The children’s psychological characteristics are important to be understood by the teachers in Montessori childcare as it builds a positive relationship among students and teachers. When the children's behavior and characteristics are well observed and understood their needs can be met in a Montessori  prepared environment.

This observation is carried out on a daily basis. A daily evaluation of the child's progress is being made. Observation of child's interaction with the teacher and fellow mates in the classroom. This observation is not  only confined to the classroom but the teacher observes the child outside the classroom because his reaction within the classroom and outside will vary, and that should also be taken into consideration. The teacher notices the social and psychological development of all her children.

The daily observation includes emotional, physical, academic and social development of the children. The more the teacher or Montessori guide observes the child, the more she is able to determine and meet  the needs of the child in order to help him progress in his self-building process.