Observation as Love

Kathy Leitch joins the podcast to reframe the Montessori practice of daily observation - not as a chore, but as an act of love. After all, how do we know what to teach? If we're just choosing the next material on the shelf or turning to the next page in our albums, how is that different from conventional education? Our pedagogy is reliant on knowing our children, our relationship with children, and understanding that they will each follow their own path. 

Kathy advocates for elevating scientific observation and using it for planning, implementation of our teaching, guiding students, and assessment. What does this mean from a practical perspective? Kathy makes suggestions about when to observe, what to observe for, how to record it, and most importantly, how to use the information to shape your guidance of children.

Kathy gives advice to Guides who say they just "don't have time." We've all felt that way, but after hearing Kathy's perspective, you will rededicate yourself anew to this vital practice.