My son is a very calm and quiet little guy (he only cries like twice a week, which I find to be unreal!). His style of 'play' looks like work...he loves to see how things work, quietly studying and exploring. He enjoys learning mostly by seeing it once and then trying it himself....asking for help if he didn't quite 'get it'.
Not to say he isn't an energetic boy! He loves to play and run and giggle and goof around. But when I read about Montessori, I just SEE him in that setting.
At home, we have quiet toys for the most part. I have always been partial to wooden toys because it seems that you have to use your imagination and creativity to have fun with them.....they don't beep and tell you which button to press.
I'm thinking age 3 is a great target. He is not ready now for school (and neither am I for him to go!). I'm just doing early research and getting as much info as I can now.
I found a school locally that is Montessori, located in a Lutheran church. The teacher seems to have her qualifications in order (taught in other Mont. schools before opening this one) and the classes seem small enough to be comfortable for me.
I so appreciate your help. And if you can, would you tell me how kids do when going to 'other' schools after preK/K in the Mont. style? Do they have a rough time adjusting? For later, there is a charter school in the next town over that appeals to me...but if it doesn't work, I'll need to find something other than public school!
Again, thanks so much for your help! Best regards, Leigh Ann
My son (who turned 5 yesterday) has been in a montessori preschool since he was 2. I agree that this method is not for everyone, but I wanted to point out a few things and respond to the student/teacher who wrote as well.
1. When looking for a preschool, most preschools are going to be Montessori or Montessori-based. Mostly, this is because preschool is not about academics, which is good, but about other important things like socialization, independence, etc.
2. With that being said, I thought Montessori was great in the 2-3 year olds, but I am not a fan for the pre-k year. My child is a very social, energetic but very kind child. The set up of the school is that the morning is the "academic" time where they have circle time and then free choice on an activity. All the activities are montessori with the tracing letters, math blocks, etc. However, my child roams the room and talks and "plays" more than anything else. The Montessori philosophy is that if the child isn't engaging in a particular activity, they are not ready and this is where I totally disagree. We are working with him at home on letters, numbers, writing etc to make sure he is ready for kindgergarten next year. His teachers have all said that he is smart, but doesn't want to do "challenging work" and this is where the structure and guidance is sorely missing. In addition, he gets the typical art, music and yoga on Mondays (his personal fav.)
3. My other comment is that because a child is in daycare does not mean they will be an unruly, poorly behaved child and I think that is a terrible misconception. There is a huge range of childcare out there, but there are some wonderful places for children. My son was in a Bright Horizons facility since he was 6 months old until 3 years old and was taught sign language as an infant, had caregivers with master degrees in early childhood development and he had wonderful opportunities as a toddler and is a very engaging, social, well-mannered child so regardless of whether your child is at home or in daycare, you still have to parent!!!
4. I think the bottom line is to know your child, know the teachers, the student/teacher ratio and know the set up and philosophy of the school. I think Montessori has very good attributes as a young toddler or preschooler. I don't think it is great for the necessary preperation needed for the school years especially for a child who is very social and active.
5. Currently, I just finished the job of looking for kindergarten and was able to talk to lots of teachers at various schools to find out what is expected at the entrance of kindgergaten and 100% said the basics such as socialization, writing their name, alphabet by sight and some number recognition so good to know when looking for preschool.
6. Know your child and then figure out the best fit for him/her.