Montessori Education

D.,
This may help you understand Montessori education. My son's school website www.montessoriepiscopal.com details Montessori methods and has several links to other well know Montessori web sites. Montessori education is the normal style of education in many countries outside the US. Many US public school education methods are based on Montessori ideals. These websites will help you understand the background and structure to Montessori education.

It really depends on the daycare you pick for your child. A really good daycare will offer and encourage each child to move at their own pace and introduce activities that meet the needs of each individual child. That's why it's so important to look for a small group that allows socialization and activities to meet each need. In-home daycare can offer a family atmosphere with the varied ages. The older children are encouraged to help look after the younger ones and to help them learn. That's what we offer and it's very successful. The parent and daycare provider will know when it is time for the child to move on to a larger group.

http://www.MissBrenda.com

D., my son was 4 went he started at Apostles Day School. Although I attended a parent evening to better understand that the style of education, all I can think of to say is it's very engaging. The children begin to learn the fundamentals by engaging in activities that they love doing. They have numerous "works" in different subjects that the kids play with. If you would like more information, please contact their school ###-###-####, they can explain it much better. My son really flourished in that environment, I'm so glad I gave him that experience. Best Wishes, L.

Daycares are traditionally set up for people to place their children in an all day care facility... when they're smaller it's usually for social stimulation and play... preschools are more oriented toward social skills, educational introduction and play.

Montessori schools generally are more student driven. At traditional schools and such the children are lead and directed by the teachers. At Montessori schools, the children are encouraged to work independently at their own pace without competition to just stimulate and let them learn on their own rather than being taught something.

In addition to what the previous mom replied, I believe children are encouraged to develop interdependence as well as independence. With mixed-age classrooms the kids are encouraged to help each other.

Also, on a practical level, Montessori teachers/directresses stick around a while -- for several years even. Traditional daycares often have a pretty high teacher turnover.