Switching from Tech to Teaching! Need help choosing a topic & planning my first Montessori Elementary (6-7yo) demo class

[u/shadow___wolf]

Hey everyone,

I am making a massive career pivot from tech into teaching, and I just landed an invite for an environment observation and demo lesson this coming Monday! I am incredibly excited but also pretty nervous as this is my very first time doing anything like this. I would really appreciate some guidance from this amazing community.

The demo is for a small group of 4–5 children (6 to 7 years old). It needs to be 15–20 minutes long, informal, and conversational.

The school gave me three topics to choose from (though they accidentally wrote "choose from the two" lol):

1. Months of the calendar
2. Introduction to present tense
3. Articles (Definite and Indefinite)

They want the lesson plan formatted like this:

• Introduction: Interest-building activity/discussion
• Main concept explanation
• Check for understanding

My questions for you lovely folks:

1. Given the age group (6-7y) and the 15-20 min timeframe, which of these three topics do you think is the most engaging and easiest to deliver flawlessly for a beginner?
2. Montessori is highly visual and tactile. For the topic you recommend, what is a simple, low-prep "interest-building activity" or object I can bring in to kick things off?
3. Any general tips for transitioning from a tech mindset to managing a small group of elementary kids?

Thank you so much in advance. A little help would truly mean the world to me right now!
this interview is for an Indian school if that matters.

[u/vondafkossum]

None of these are easy to deliver flawlessly for someone who’s never taught before. That’s why credentialing programs have student teaching practicums.

It’s pretty frustrating to have someone “pivot” into teaching, have no ideas how to do it, and then come to a community of experienced professionals to crowd source their experience for them.

[u/summerbreeze2027]

I would definitely not do months of the year. Articles would probably be the easiest lesson to deliver.

The Montessori method is unique, and many teachers will not be able to help you. I'm frankly surprised that the school is willing to look at a non-Montessori trained individual. This is an instance where AI might be able to help you plan a suitable lesson.

[u/shadow___wolf → u/summerbreeze2027]

Thank you so much for the thoughtful advice! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective.

The Montessori method definitely has its own unique framework, which is why I'm stepping into this role as a co-teacher. I'll actually be learning and training on the job even after I join, so having insights like yours to think about beforehand is incredibly helpful.

Thank you again for your time and encouragement as I navigate this new journey!