Montessori....

I'm sure this was discussed before, but can't find the link!
Anyone know where it might be or have any experience with montessori.....we are thinking about enrolling Xander (2.5) and went to the school this morning...I love the teachers, but the routine feels very rigid to me?

I need to give them an answer about the spot soon and am having an anxiety attack, yikes!

Re: Montessori....

Oops, it's a preschool....for 2.5 yo

Re: Montessori....

I went to a Montessori school from 3-10 years old, my mom just retired after 25 years of teaching 3-5 year olds at the school I attended, and I assisted at a different school for a couple years before I had DD. I love the Montessori philosophy and think it can be a great fit for alot of kids. However, I've seen some kids that did better in the more traditional setting. The program can also vary from school to school (and even classroom to classroom). As far as the routine...in my experience, the structure and routine set brings forth much freedom and choice. However, I don't know what this particular school you're looking into is like to say if it is too rigid or anything.

I don't have the perspective of a parent of Montessori child, so I'm sure some of the other spouses that have had their child in a program can give some feedback as well. Feel free to p.m. me if I can answer any more questions more in depth- I didn't want to write a novel!

[spotty_dog]

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I think Kelly (houseelf) is a big fan of Montessori for her son at least, you might PM her if she doesn`t pipe up here!

[fluffhead]

Re: Montessori....

We've got our third Montessori child just started. It's been a wonderful experience for us, though I'm sure it depends on the individual school and teachers, as well as the kids. There have been a few children coming through this school who did NOT do well, and the parents recognized that and took them out.
Our school is not rigid - it's not "officially" montessori, but labels itself as such. So it's got the philosophy, but the woman who runs the school is quite flexible about making it comfortable for the kids.
But our kids have learned alot about responsibility, and have developed confidence as well.
So far one has finished the preschool, and she's mainstreamed into a regular grade school. She was somewhat behind in reading and writing (entered first grade directly from the Montessori), but caught up over the summer.
The other two are still there. And if we're still here, I'm sending the baby in a couple years!

[houseelf]

Re: Montessori....

I love montessori and it has been a fabulous fit for our son. This comes with the caveat that the interpretation of what constitutes a "montessori" classroom runs the gamut. I have heard/seen some decidely bad montessori. One school that we interviewed here used the term montessori and yet it did not comply with several of the basic tenets of montessori education. The term "montessori" is not trademarked.

Two major accrediting boards (and a couple of other minor boards) exist to ensure that Dr. Montessori's theories are implemented accroding to her findings. AMI tends to promote stricter interpretation and less variance. My son's first school was AMI and underwent a weeklong rigourous accreditation process annually. It was as "montessori" as you could get. We were really happy with this school, but whether it was due to the stricter interpretation of the pedagogy, I really couldn't say. (I actually think that it was the strong local public schools driving up the price of competition).

Currently he is in an AMS accredited school and it is montessori with some traditional school measures. For example, he has a standard math and handwriting workbook sent home once a week to be turned in the following week. This is absolutely not in strict accordance with Dr. Montessori's directives. His current school is a good school, but good leaves me a bit underwhelmed when I've seen great, if I'm truly honest. Again, I think that this is more a product of the lackluster local education.

But getting back to your question at hand, some kids almost NEED a montessori classroom to meet their developmental needs. My son had lots of boyish energy and needed time to learn how to focus. The freedom of a montessori classroom allowed him to refine his focus by providing an outlet for his gross motor skills. On the other hand, there are occasionally children who cannot be successful in a self-directed environment.

The majority of Dr. Montessori's findings center on the ages of 2-6, the preschool years. We have continued through third grade, although each year there seems to be less use of the manipulatives, which IMHO is one of the greatest benefit of a montessori education. We are strongly considering changing to a traditional curriculum next year for myriad reasons.

But I digress, again. (Stay with me now, occasionally my ramblings have meaning.) Children in this environment are charged with the task of completing their own work in a timely fashion in a manner of their choosing. There are always consequences for failing to use time wisely. I love that kids learn to self regulate internally instead of being directed externally. It is also nice that each child can work at their own pace. At one point last year, there was a four year grade difference in the subject matter my son was working on. Because the curriculum is individualized, he could work exactly at his level in each subject.

I would advise you to observe, talk with the director and the teacher, and gather parents' phone numbers so that you can ask them what they like and do not like. At the end of the day, the effectiveness of a classroom hinges more on the teacher, staff, and peer community far more than the pedagogy.

Best of luck.

Kelly

Re: Montessori....

Thanks Kelly...we started him on Monday and LOVE it so far!

He cried and attached himself to my leg when it was time for me to go and they were sweet, but matter of fact in telling me to go! I bawled all the way to Starbucks

[houseelf]

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Separation anxiety refers to the parent, not the child.

I forgot to mention that you REALLY, REALLY should read Angeline Lillard Stoll's book, Montessori: the science behind the genius. I saw her at a lecture a few years ago after reading her book. She offers compelling data supporting the methods used in the montessori method. Ask DS's school if they have a copy, because it is an expensive book, but totally worth it.

Kelly