Montessori?

Question

I am thinking of putting my 2, 3, and 4 year olds in a Montessori school until they are each old enough for public school. What are your experiences with the schools at this age group? Would you recommend it? Why or why not? Specifically the school in Dover, DE. http://www.dovermontessori.com

Answer 1

If you are financially able to put 3 children in a Montessori schol then go for it!   I can't think of one negative aspect about this style of curriculum.  All positive and truly student driven.

Best of luck to you & your kids!

Answer 2

Looking over that school's web site, it looks OK.  I cannot stand the web site itself from a design aspect, but that has nothing to do with the school itself :-)

It also looks like this school is expanding to include elementary.  So you may have a fantastic elementary Montessori program there as well soon.

The ONLY concern I have is it mentions in the person who started the school is AMI Trained.  (American Montessori International)  This is a fantastic training program.  It does not, however, mention any sort of Montessori Qualifications for the rest of the staff, including the director of the program.

Montessori is a fantastic choice if you want to foster:

--independence

--love of learning

--social skills

--creativity

Go to http://www.youtube.com   and type in Montessori.  See if it is a good fit for your children.

My blog may be helpful as well.    

http://www.myspace.com/MontessoriBlog

Matt

Answer 3

My Son was in the Montessori before he went to school. It was the best decision I ever made. He learned discipline and social skills and he got a lot more confidence. His speech improved and he had interests. His brain was working all the time there. He was doing things he liked and growing at his own pace without any pressure. The Montessori school system is really supper. Good Idea to send your kids there you won't regret it!!

Answer 4

My grandson is in a Montessory school. He started there when he was a baby and we have been very happy. The development is fenomenal. My grandson new his ABC by 2, by 3 1/4 he was able o read 3-letter words, like DAD HAS A HAT. He is now 4 and we read books together, progressing to the early stages of grade 1. Also, my daughter has a friend whos 2 children went to Montesory before moving to public school - I was told that one of the kids was reading at thrid grade level when he started first grade.

One of the posters mentioned that the kids have freedom to choose their own activities. This is during play time. They also have "class" time that is designed to keep their attention so noone gets bored.

Excellent schools - go for it.

Answer 5

Do what u want. It won't make them any smarter.  Start them at school at the latest age!

Answer 6

montessori is ran all through using natural resources. "the gifts". and children are encouraged to do things such as choose their own activities and so they have more control and independence in the setting. so in that sense it is beneficial. i havent heard of any research suggesting any negative impacts that this type of school has on children.

B) How to select your Montessori school - A parental guide :

All sorts of factors can influence your choice - location, reputation, fees and so on. However it is wise to remember that it is not you but your children that will be attending the school so:

Look at the school from your child's perspective - does the philosophy suit his or her personality?

What are the facilities of the school like - is the equipment new or in good condition?

What is the teacher- Pupil ratio ? In other words, will your child get the attention you want ?

Is it a pure Montessori school ?

Are the children well organised, engaged and happy in their work when you visit ?

Can your child spend a taster day at the school ?

What is the reporting system like - can you see samples of the sorts of reports you will receive ?

What sort of staff turnover s there ? In other words, do staff enjoy working there so they do not leave ?

Where do children move on to when they leave the school and at what age do they tend to leave ?

When was the school last inspected and are there copies of the report available for you to read ?

Then start thinking about location, travelling times to and from schools and what the fees are like.

Answer 7

well funny enough i went to a montessori school.. when i was in grades 1 and 3 and then crossed over to catholic school system and then to a public one.. personally montessori is a wonderfull  school if u want your children to learn great study habits, disiplin and individual attention by teachers. Downside of montessori is nothing lol.. i remember though from personal experience hating the uniforms lol when i was younger and then missing wearing uniforms as i got older because it takes me forever to get ready and having uniforms would of taken up half of the time wasted on picking an outfit to wear ... i also hated having the same kids in my class every year.. with the public school system every year is a new class setting.. im not saying i hated the kids in the class just hated the fact that i couldnt get a chance to meet new students.. anyways thats just me talkin lol.. and there are different branches too so every montessori is different.

good luck and i wish your kids the best <333