19/05/2025
I CAN DO IT BY MYSELF.
“I DID IT!”
THE ART OF OBSERVATION.
Gifting children the power of autonomy - powerful responsible independence.
Whether a 2 year old or a 3,4,5,6 year old;
Whether a 7 or 8 year old or 10,12
No matter the age
THE ART OF OBSERVATION IS AN ART.
It’s a SCIENCE - observing when the child is in need.
Observing when to offer help;
Observing how to offer help;
Observation of character build up,
Infants and Toddlers require a natural and caring environment of nurturing adults and environment. Our in Nature
Natural elements in the home.
Away from useless toys and an endless amount of useless “gadgets”
THE REAL DEAL - Natural Movement and Natural REAL PRACTICAL LIFE for their wobbly legs and not yet coordinated hand and eyes development. A natural unraveling of a beautiful caring life.
3-6 Observation is an Art. Providing specific aids When needed within the foundation of all the Montessori principles.
6-12 The Elementary years are special and Observation in this age group has to be seen as walking on egg shells. It’s the time of STRONG SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT and seeking answers, wanting to be with friends at all times.
Today we are highlighting the FINE ART OF OBSERVATION IN THE 3-6 ENVIRONMENT and at HOME. Because HOME IS “SCHOOL” and what a child learns at home he brings with him into the school.
ONCE I observed 4-year-old Liam struggling to tie his shoes, his little face red with frustration. He pushed and pulled and frowned and was so very frustrated.
He just didn’t give up. Struggled and struggled and refused any offer of help. I say close by and observed silently.
Finally he tied a perfect knot—his grin was priceless. In that moment of pride, I realized how powerful the Art of Observation was. Don’t step in. Observe and honor the child.
Imagine raising children who think for themselves - thoughtfully, carefully, responsibly.
Children who solve their own problems, and grow into confident adults—not because we control them, but because we guided them into THINKING RESPONSIBLY - taught them to control themselves. THOUGHTFUL SELF DIRECTION
The Strategy - Principles
Emotional strength - No matter where wet live and the cultures that society dictates, wet can help raise the most wonderful sturdy plants. Children of impeccable character. Joyful children. Caring children. Responsible and strongly independent.
Earlier last month I watched as 4-year-old Lisa was trying to pour water from a pitcher into a bucket her hands trembling with effort. I held back from helping directly, knelt beside her, and showed her the motion gently, saying, ‘you’ve got this.” Soon, she poured it without spilling. Careful, guided, strong. That was a huge success and proved she could. It’s so rewarding being with little ones in the First Plane. They bring so much joy. "
Remember the First Plane - The Absorbent Mind - The sponge…
Children copy every single thing that a parent does.
Everything!
Be careful what you say in front of a CHILD ABSORBING ALL.
Be extremely careful.
Choose your words well because they copy everything that we say.
Children who come into school with vocabulary that is filled with slang and profanities will simply pass it on without thought. So be wise. Choose your language…choose the vocabulary that you want your children to learn.
Show them kindness and patience—they’ll follow. Don’t force them to fit your mold.
Guide with trust, not fear. In Montessori, we invite children to explore, not threaten them into obedience.
Remember that mistakes always happen. When a child spills something, or breaks material by accident don’t shame them—help them fix it. Build up their confidence in small ways that lead to milestones of emotional strength.
“Sally, I see you trying,’ and watch her face shine with warmth.
We never ever, ever punish a child. Punishment teaches fear. Guidance teaches growth. Redirect gently, and let them learn from experience.
Gently guiding - redirecting
Most times words are far too much. Just simply listen to the child. Listen and let their trust grow. Build them up and watch the beautiful unfolding of strength of character.
As I observed 5-year-old Rebekkah struggling to button her coat, her fingers fumbling as she grew frustrated. She’d only just started in our Montessori Group. Her little fingers fumbled and struggled and I resisted the urge to rush to her side. Instead,
I sat with her, listened and gently asked, “shall I show you how?” ‘Take your time—you’ve got this.’ After a few tries, she buttoned it herself, beaming with joy. That moment taught her she could handle tasks independently with a bit of patience."
3-year-old Mattheo was trying to build up the Pink Tower but kept knocking them over, his frustration building. I resisted the urge to fix it, instead sitting nearby and saying, ‘Let’s try placing them gently—watch how I do it.’ I stacked one cube, then handed it over. He followed my lead, and soon his tower stood tall—his proud smile showed he’d learned to keep going with a little guidance."
Just LET THEM BE. Strong and kind and wonderful little children who are being prepared for life.
FOR LIFE.
Grace & Courtesy
Responsibility
Strong independence within boundaries
Living life and loving it.
YOU ! THE GUIDE ! - PERFECTING THE ART OF OBSERVATION.
©️copyright©️19th May 2025
Althea Cutting
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