"We cannot create observers by saying 'observe,' but by giving them the power and the means for this observation and these means are procured through education of the senses."
--Maria Montessori
Putting observation ahead of direction is a shift for me. As the oldest of six children, I often had the role of leader, director, manager of my younger brothers and sisters, and not surprisingly I've taken on that role as a professional too since I've chosen to lead young children each day as a teacher.
It's time to take that back seat for a while. Time to watch, observe, and be led rather than lead. Another vantage point.
So as I embark on an adventure with many loved ones I'll be thinking of this shift, a shift I hope to embrace for school year 2014-2015 too.
What does the observer do?
How does the observer act, react?
Who are the observer's mentors? Where does the observer gain inspiration?
I'm intrigued by this new lens.
