Montessori presentation is another way to say – how we guide a child in learning. . . and there’s a good, better and best way to go about it. In Montessori teacher training we learn to show children how to do each work by giving a “presentation”.

Taking Notes in Montessori Presentation

The notes we take on how to present a work are called a ‘write up’.  A write up starts with the words, “Invite the child to the work.” and end with “ask the child to replace the work on the shelf and roll up their rug.” Needless to say they are a very detailed, step by step listing of Montessori presentation.

In A Home Environment

In a home environment it isn’t necessary to be as detailed. And, let’s be honest, most of the time we’re just winging it anyway.  However, I’m frequently asked, “how do I present works to my child and what should I really be focused on?” So many parents are scared to ‘mess things up’ or ‘do it wrong’.  So, I’ve put together a short list of the basics of a Montessori presentation.  If you’re looking for the sequence of the language works in a Montessori classroom, check out this blog.  If you’re curious about the detailed presentation, check out the Language Cards I designed just for toddlers.  The cards include a ‘write up’ for each work so you’ll know just what to do.

The 10 Basic Steps to Montessori Presentation

One

Let them choose. Follow The Child’s lead. An easy way to ‘let them choose’ is to keep materials, or language cards, out on a shelf accessible to your toddler. Language cards, and other Montessori ‘work’, should be kept on a tray or in a basket.  In Montessori we believe in keeping things looking nice, beautiful and organized.  This allows the child to properly develop their sense of order and inspires respect for the materials. When displaying cards, try clipping the sets together with a squeeze clothes pin or a rubber band.

Two

Use a Montessori work rug. A Montessori work rug teaches the children to respect the material, helps to define their work space and show friends or siblings ‘this is my work’.

Three

Avoid talking too much. Toddlers process things a lot slower than us and they only learn from doing – not from being talked at. So, omit most of your words during a presentation.  Simply start with “watch”. Then be slightly dramatic with your movements to gain and sustain their attention.

Fourth

Lay the cards out from left to right, top to bottom. Once the cards are carried to the rug (on a tray), lay the cards out from left to right across the top of the rug (hello pre reading skill…). The adult usually sits on the child’s non-dominant side to present work. If the child hasn’t chosen a dominant hand yet, sit on their right and do your best not to block their view with your hand as you move materials around.

Five

Move SLOWLY. Draw the child’s attention to how carefully you’re handling the materials. As you begin to introduce the object or the matching card, don’t speak. Your slow movements will allow the child to process the steps. This will also help them to feel relaxed enough to interpret what the material is attempting to teach. (ie the name of the object, the concept of same and different etc)

Six

Let the child take over. It is important to allow the child to take over the work when they are ready.  If we tell them “no” it is often discouraging to the child. Being told ‘no’ leads them to not want to use the material or be open to accepting your next invitation to a work presentation.

Seven

Don’t quiz the child. In Montessori, we don’t quiz a child.  We use the 3 Period Lesson to present new concepts. We keep presenting the first 2 periods until the child offers the information back to us during the 3rd Period. The vicious cycle of quizzing: Quizzing leads to wrong answers which leads to the adult needing to correct. The adult needing to correct leads to the child feeling discouraged. The child feeling discouraged leads to lower self esteem and decreased motivation to continue learning.

Eight

Put the work away. Show the child how the work should be put away and stored.  This final step shows the parent and peers that the child has worked with a material until they feel satisfied.  When it is placed back in its place, it indicates that someone else can have a turn or that they are ready to move on.

Nine

Model for the Child. When you’re presenting a work, or doing anything really, know that your child is watching… closely!  They will attempt to do things the same way you do; whether it is carrying 10 bags in from the car, putting pants on standing up, or carrying a tray from the shelf to the rug.  They are watching! Be sure you’re slowing down and mindfully modeling how we want the child to do it OR how they will be the most successful.

Ten

Follow the Rules. Don’t interrupt a child unless what is happening is dangerous or disrespectful.  If it isn’t hurting anyone or anything, then allow them to explore.  Step in only when necessary. If this seems hard for you, take a look at my blog about observation and devote some time to self reflection.

Bonus

Make changes to meet the child where they are at.  For example, if your child cannot focus long enough for you to match all 12 animal cards, reduce the number of cards down to 3 or 5 and re-present later.  If you have a ‘high activity level’ child, consider hanging the language cards around the room and encouraging them to walk around and find the match rather than expecting them to sit on the floor for a lesson. Guiding a child through quiet structured presentation has many benefits. The child is able to have the time and space they need to process new concepts and develop at their own pace. By following these ten basic steps for Montessori Presentation, your child will be able to pick up new material in a way that works with their developing minds most effectively.