Observation Guidelines
Welcome! We are happy that you are able to visit and we hope it will be an informative and positive experience. Observation is difficult. It is important that you observe as a naturalist observes-without interaction that would disturb and change the environment.
Below are some guidelines to follow and tips to get the most out of your visit:
Please sit quietly.
Do not interact with the teacher, unless you are approached.
Do not interact with any children. If a child approaches you, be pleasant but brief. You may say something similar to, "I came to see you work."
Observe the entire class overall.
Look for qualities of independence, self-discipline, self-direction, attention, concentration, and joy.
Observe one child of each age in the classroom.
If you have a child in the class, please keep in mind that he or she may be excited by your presence. In any case, his or her behavior in the class may be different than usual.
Please do not compare your child with others.
Remember, the more unobtrusive you remain, the better chance you have of seeing the class as it normally functions.
“When we have visitors we do not allow them to behave as though the children are objects on display to be questioned. Our visitors come as guests to the Children’s House, and we expect them to respect our children as guests respect their hosts.”