Montessori or Traditional?

Just thought I'd give you something else to consider; ) My daughter attends a Reggio Emilia school, toddler-8th grade and their curriculum is amazing. You may want to check out the differences between education tenants. I will say, no matter what type of school you send him to matters less than the individual differences between the people running the schools. Visit a few before you make up your mind.

Some Montessori offer very little structure, while others have more parameters. It depends on what you think your little guy needs. For kids play is the work: )

It can be overwhelming though, can't it?

Jen

I'd say definitely Montessori. I basically think Montessori or educating at home are best.

Montessori gives your child the space and supplies to learn all kinds of things when he is interested, and ready. I like the freedom and lack of pressure.

There is plenty of play time integrated in the free time. And, most schools will have outdoors time when weather permits.

I sent two of my kids to Montessori school for 3 years each (one did Montessori Kindergarten) - the rest of the kids did "regular" preschool/Kindergarten. This was because we moved to locations over the years where sometimes it was available and sometimes not. It was expensive, but it was worth EVERY penny. I love the learning style - it is based on how kids learn best :) Regardless of how active your child is, he is sure to do well. If you are unsure, take a tour of a local Montessori and see how you feel. Remember, although your guy is active, kids act differently in a school environment and may do better than you think.

Good luck!

I would rather my daughter stay home with me than go somewhere other than a montessori preschool. Luckily we have three in reasonable distance from where we live. I went to a montessori years ago and remember my experiences there. It is expensive but I would make sacrifices. My daughter is 21 mon and a bit to young for the montessoris here. The schedule of the schools also wouldn't work for me right now, I am in school. Hopefully in a year or so she can go. I would like her to go through kindergarten and then probably to a public school.... depending on where we live and what the school system is like. Unfortunately, we are not near any charter schools or waldorf education programs. My daughter seems to be easygoing, friendly, sweet and caring, earth friendly (as much as I can inspire) and loves to sit quietly and read but she is full of enegry. I don't want that to change, I want them to be fostered. She is unique and the teaching/curriculum should fit her. This is what a montessori does. There is more than just numbers and letters to learn at this age. Studies show that most kids by 1st grade are equally smart/educated. So why not explore other areas at age 2, 3, 4... Of course, letters and numbers are taught as well, but it's just not a huge deal (they do learn it in there own time and way)vs. other schools "by the book" and that of placing all children in a few categories and teaching them all in the same manor (state regulated curriculum) ideal... and they have to do it at a certain age range. That seems like a lot of pressure. I just feel that the first few years are very important, sometimes to much emphasis is placed on education and learning as much as possible instead of caring, self-confidence, imagination, creativity, awareness, family, trust, fun and more, while learning. There is a ton of literature out about the "montessori method, " get a few from the library. Do your research, see if your son will fit in and if you like the ideals/beliefs these schools follow.

When I was in the college of Education I attended a Montessori school and I was very impressed. I feel that children need to be given the chance to learn and explore and learn from life. I love Montessori for that reason. Some children do not do well in Montessori. I would suggest that which ever way you find the style the best suits your child's individual needs.

I hold an early childhood degree and this was my favorite kind of school I have came across. There is not one in my area so we home school. They seem great in so many ways. I love to open to ask questions and enjoy and learn from the world at the same time. Public schools, which I did kindergarten for 4 years limits so much. Public schools are so pushed that the children are not getting to ask and do hands on like they used too.

A Montessori school doesn't give kids much if any time to just play it is all focused on work work work. Before sending your child to one I would suggest checking out the free time allowed to let your child just relax and be a 4 year old.