Supervision Fails 101
•Unless you're calling the fire department or Batman, there’s no good reason to be using this while supervising kids.
What is a Cell Phone
This step removes dirt and debris but does not kill germs.
What is cleaning?
She developed the Montessori method of education
Who is Dr. Maria Montessori
This is the adjusted staff-to-child ratio allowed when preschoolers are napping
What is 1 teacher for 24 children
When a child is sprinting down the sidewalk like they're training for the Olympics, this phrase should be your go-to.
What is ‘Let’s go back and practice walking feet’?
This should never be left unsupervised—even for "just a second."
What is a child?
For disinfectants to work, the surface must be visibly wet and left untouched for this amount of time.
What is the dwell time?
This area of the classroom teaches skills like pouring, sweeping, and buttoning.
What is Practical Life?
These must be arranged head-to-feet if placed closer than 3 feet apart
What are cots or mats
If you're huddled in the corner chatting about lunch while the kids play “Lord of the Flies,” you're breaking this golden rule.
What is no clustering?
•You must count them constantly: before going outside, coming in, and especially during transitions.
What are the children
Tiny humans breathe more, touch everything, and lick what they shouldn’t. This makes them…
What is more vulnerable to indoor toxins?
Students are expected to do this simple but important task after finishing any activity, helping maintain classroom order.
What is return materials to their proper place?
To ensure all children are accounted for, this must be done consistently throughout the day—especially during transitions, outdoor time, and whenever children enter or leave the classroom.
When should a headcount be done
It’s not just polite—it’s mandatory. Before you vanish inside, you must do this with your fellow teachers.
What is communicate that you're leaving the playground?
This is the minimum spacing between cots required during nap time under Title 22
What is 3 feet?
You sprayed, wiped, and walked away in 3 seconds flat. Congrats, you’ve just done this instead of disinfecting.
What is waste your time and energy by skipping the dwell time?
You should only do this during work time if the child is unsafe, disruptive, or in need of support.
What is interrupt the child
A condition that is avoided by picking children up the proper way, not tugging or swinging a child by their arm.
What is Nursemaids Elbow
The sandbox isn’t a magical self-cleaning pit. At the end of each recess, it needs this cozy finishing touch.
What is clean up the sandbox toys?
If you’re deep in conversation about last night’s reality show while Sammy’s dangling upside down from the monkey bars, you’ve forgotten this important fact.
What is “You’re not on break—supervise the children!”
It comes with warnings like “ventilate the room,” “wear goggles,” and maybe “call your next of kin.”
What shouldn’t be used around children?
A key part of a Montessori teacher's role, this ensures that materials are organized, clean, and inviting every day.
What is setting up and maintaining the Prepared environment
This should be done upon entering the classroom, coming in from the playground, before eating and after using the restroom.
What is handwashing
Active Supervision on a Playground can be compared to another profession that also requires constant supervision.
What is a lifeguard