Montessori Pros and Cons?

Hi- I know it's so hard to be sure where to send our children isn't it?! I'm in the process for my nearly 4 yr old daughter. I am all for the Mont program, especialy for more reserved personalities... which my dd is to a "T"!

The thing I like best about it over regular pre-school (for our family) is that all learning is hands-on. This young there isn't much sitting down and doing worksheets... they are building and learning addition and subtraction... without even realizing they are learning. My dd is very resistant to being "tought" something if she dosen't think she will get it right away- perfectionism I suppose, which I'm still trying to figure out. Anyway, they are great with teaching tactile learners, and they teach at each childs pace. So no child is going to be held back, or pushed thru just because they have to keep up with the rest of the students. Most schools will have classrooms by age groups, not a single age say 3-5's so they are always learning there is more out there then just say, the 3 year olds. We can all learn from other people. Even that young. :)

We are starting school this week and she is very excited! She got to go for one day to feel it out & make sure it fit for us- now she can't wait to go! And you can imagine how much better that makes ME feel! We tried a traditional pre-school last year and she still talks about how she dosen't want to back there! But is thrilled about this place. So anyway.. thats our story. I hope you are able to feel at peace about the right place soon! I understand how difficult it is.

Just a few tidbits: When my 3-year-old was in Montessori, we loved it, but it was a bit surprising at first. They refer to their play as their 'work.' At my daughter's school (St. Alcuin) they were not allowed to bring home any of their 'work' (drawings, paintings, etc.) They wanted the children to focus on the process, not the product. This was a little surprising at first, but we got used to it. Just something you might like to know about up front. IMO, Montessori, after the age of about 5, isn't for all children.

I used to teach in a Montessori classroom before kids and I highly recommend it. This method is tried and true and most preschools are actually trying to model many of the techniques that are used in the Montessori classrooms. Your child will learn so much and will get individualized lessons that will help him to flourish in an amazing way.

To become a Montessori teacher, you must go through a SERIOUS program that lasts up to two years where you learn to study children and the way they learn. Therefore, the teachers are SO respectful of the child and what makes each one tick.

You mentioned that the social part of it might not be wat your child needs. In a Montessori classroom, the child is in a multi-aged group where the older ones are the role models and take great care of the younger ones. I think this would help your little one to break out of his shell to have that kind of a role model set up.

Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!

Hi B.! I looked at many preschools last fall for my daughter. I didn't know much about Montessori either. I finally went to observe a Montessori classroom and I was AMAZED!!! I've always heard positive feedback from those enrolled in Montessori. I absolutely loved everything about it. I think it would be a good fit if your son is shy because it encourages independence. My daughter started last fall and will continue one more year before she starts Kindergarten in 2007. Which schools did you look at? Which ones are you considering?

A.
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My daughter is at MSND and we like it. It is noncompetitive, which is probably good for shy children. My daughter turned 3 this month and is already trying to sound out words and shows a desire to read.

The only con that I am aware of with montessori education is that the children often have difficulty transitioning to traditional education when the time comes. Have you looked into Primrose Schools? We had a very good experience with a couple of their locations in the area. We found that the teachers were just as qualified as the montessori certified ones and the curriculums were every bit as good, if not better.