Observation Sheets

How to observe children in a Montessori classroom

Montessori observation means watching a child at work without stepping in, and writing down what they chose, how long they stayed with it, and what they could do. Short, regular observations recorded on the same sheet show each child's progress over weeks.

Updated

How to do it

  1. Choose a time and a place to sit

    Sit to one side of the room for ten or fifteen minutes, at a time when the work period is under way.

  2. Watch one area or a few children

    Watching everything at once records nothing. Pick an area, such as Practical Life, or two or three children.

  3. Write what you see, not what you think

    Note the work chosen, how long the child stayed with it, and whether they repeated it, before you add any judgment.

  4. Mark the level

    On the sheet, mark Presented when you gave the lesson, Practicing while the child repeats it, and Mastered when they do it with ease and can show another child.

  5. Plan the next lesson from the sheet

    A row of Practicing marks tells you who is ready for the next lesson in the sequence.

Questions guides ask

How often should a guide observe?
A short observation every day, and a longer one each week, is common. The sheet is meant to be filled a little at a time.
Should children know they are being observed?
Most guides observe quietly from the side, so the work continues as it would otherwise.
What is the difference between Practicing and Mastered?
Practicing means the child is repeating the work. Mastered means they do it without help, accurately, and could show a friend.

Make an observation sheet

Curriculum
AMS curriculum · Primary · Practical Life
P = PresentedPr = PracticingM = Mastered
Child's name
Pouring
Spooning
Buttoning and Zipping
Table Washing
Food Preparation
Care of Self
Grace and Courtesy
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2
3
4
5
6