Originally published in Spring 2005 Forza Vitale

At a toddler community in Amsterdam, there is an object-permanence work for crawlers: an inclined, opaque tube about 2 feet long. The children put the ball in the top of the tube and then crawl to the other end to retrieve it as it rolls down. At a school in Alaska, the children make zoological observations and take notes when their playground is taken over by moose. The parents at a school in California take turns bringing the elements of an established lunch menu for the children to share, since lunch cannot be prepared on-site. A school in southern Washington has taken over a house, using each area appropriately: practical life in the kitchen, language arts in the living room, etc. The result in almost labyrinthine, offering privacy and independence for the children’s work, and demanding responsibility since they are often out of direct sight of the guide. A school here in Portland makes use of natural materials such as rocks and logs as climbing and balancing materials instead of manufactured equipment. A toddler community here uses shot glasses from a restaurant supply store for the children’s lunch. Another uses a surprising toileting-teaching method called “Toilet Training Begins at Birth.” Each Friday sees the entire population of a fourth Portland school hiking the trails through a nearby park. These are novel approaches to unique problems, and each has something to teach us. But these were not presented in my training, and I did not read about them in a book. I learned about these things first hand, by visiting and observing at these schools.

Maria Montessori built her method upon knowledge gleaned from her personal observation of children. But we can do even better: she didn’t have the opportunity to observe other Montessori guides as well. Observations, and reflection on observations, are a key element in a guide’s training. One quarter of my training hours were spent visiting schools and observing. I found it to be such a satisfying and informative experience that I continue to visit schools as often as I can. During my tours I have met some wonderful people, and had a chance to see the Montessori method through many eyes. It has been said that one can love something only as much as ones knows it. My love for children has grown as I observe, but I have also found a love for our Montessori community: here in Portland, and in the world at large.

I eagerly welcome visitors to my own classroom. I know it is a concern of many guides that visitors are a disruption. Our school offers clear guidelines for visitors: stay quiet, stay seated, do not engage a child unless approached, and enjoy. And the children at our school, All Roads Learning Community, love visitors! Some of the most beautiful mornings I have seen at All Roads have been observed by our lucky visitors. For the most part our children seem not even to notice our guests, yet they rally in the presence of visitors, scrubbing and polishing and laying our their most challenging work during this time. Perhaps the children understand that the visitors are there to see what we do, and they want to share their most satisfying experiences. I have seen many children in primary classrooms overjoyed at the ritual of making tea for a guest. Children want to share their joy!

And we should share ours. What better way to learn about each other, and to knit a closer bond in the Oregon Montessori community? Everything that Maria Montessori knew was from observation. It is the key to a life of knowledge, and I think it can be the key to building a strong and vibrant community of Montessorians here in Oregon. So open your doors to your fellow Montessorians, and start knocking on theirs. We are working towards a common goal. Let us share our efforts; let us share our joy!

Katy Pine is a guide at All Roads Learning Community, a Montessori infant and toddler community, currently on maternity leave. She is also a member of the board of directors for Two Rivers Montessori School.

© 2005 Katy Pine

Katy(posted on Mar 1, 2005 at 12:00 am)

Wobbly is helping to make the baby quilt for Mercedes.

Katy(posted on Apr 7, 2005 at 4:06 am)

C and Ruby rode in the wagon together today.

Katy(posted on Apr 8, 2005 at 5:18 am)

I guess my camera got stuck on “movie” :).

Katy(posted on Feb 9, 2010 at 5:32 pm)

Ruby’s holding her head up!

Katy(posted on Feb 9, 2010 at 5:37 pm)

Ben and Mercedes brought over brand new Edison to say hi.

Katy(posted on Feb 9, 2010 at 5:41 pm)

I had a big knitting project going (Dr. Who scarf for Ben’s Billion Seconds). It was a lot of knitting! I took every free moment I could to work on it… even some only ½-free moments.

Katy(posted on Feb 9, 2010 at 5:43 pm)

Just a little movie of Ruby to give you an idea of what she is like these days. She has the hiccups.

Katy(posted on Apr 5, 2005 at 9:21 am)

C may not be feeling well — he’s a little weepy/crazy and has some green ooze. C and Giuliano used the clay together this morning for 20 minutes, then read books with Deni.

Katy(posted on Apr 30, 2005 at 8:27 pm)

Ruby is enjoying the flowers that Tina brought over.

Katy(posted on Apr 13, 2005 at 4:41 pm)