Teachers - I have a question.

Do you have any experience - or thoughts on montessouri schools? Have you ever worked with students that previously went to a montessouri school?

I am interested in ANY feedback or info you may have - good or bad. I am considering sending Talia - but I just dont know.

Re: Teachers - I have a question.

My son went to Montessori for pre-school. (I do not have that much knowledge about it for older kids.) For the pre-school age, I liked it a lot. It was a good program and he did well. It seemed to give him many opportunities to explore and grow.He went when he was 2-4. He then attended a private, non-Montessori Pre-K before kindergarten, and the transition was fine.

Message edited 1/16/2007 8:20:38 PM.

Re: Teachers - I have a question.

I only know about them through studying in college. But I'll give what I've learned and what some research says. Basically the learning is more student-centered than teacher-directed. I've heard of many Montessouri schools being successful...the kids are more independent, socially and academically. I think there is a lot more freedom for a child to express his/herself, they choose what they want to learn.

I don't know of anyone that has put their child through one, but I believe the financial aspects of a Mont. school is what holds some back.

HTH

Re: Teachers - I have a question.

I should have mentioned my daughter is preschool age.

Re: Teachers - I have a question.

I can't speak for the program at Talia's age but I can tell you I am definitely NOT a fan when they continue through elementary school. I have had 4 students in the last 2 years that came from Montessorri and I have to say only 1 had the same academic standards and work ethic as the children who had been in public school all along. The other 3 never did homework or studied or were prepared because they never had to meet deadlines before. They were discipline problems because they were not used to having to share the attention of the teacher with 25 other kids. They had 8 in their grade. So based on my experience I am not a fan when they are in the program through elementary -- sorry

Re: Teachers - I have a question.

Talia will only be going for preschool - then going to Public school for elementary.

Re: Teachers - I have a question.

like the others have said, from what i have learned in grad school about Montessori is that it is more learning through exploring and less direct instruction ......IMO perfect for pre k but as they grow older less realistic when it comes to testing etc

Re: Teachers - I have a question.

I volunteered for one of the schools when I was younger over the summer. The kids mainly do whatever activity they want to do. It was good because you didn't have to spend the day disciplining them, trying to keep them quiet/ or follow instructions. They were pretty independent. Half these kids wouldn't listen to us anyway LOL

Re: Teachers - I have a question.

my mom used to teach montessori... i also did some papers on it in grad school... i am a big fan for pre-k... my brother went through it and it really prepared him well for Kindergarten... my mom also really loved the whole method...

Re: Teachers - I have a question.

Biggest complaint ive heard from teachers is that kids that go to kindergarten in public school later, is that they have trouble following rules and procedures. Public school are very structured unlike montessori

Message edited 1/17/2007 6:33:16 PM.