what o you think of montessori school? like/dislike please?

Question

i'm looking to put my 2 y o son in preschool but dont what is best, traditonal preschool or montessori?

Answer 1

I have taught both traditional preschool and Montessori (Montessori for 11 years). I will never go back to traditional preschool. Montessori is amazing! I see so many differences between children who have gone through both. Children who go to a Montessori schools are more confident, orderly, focused, coordinated, and independent than children who have gone through traditional preschool. They are great problem solvers, adaptable, and learn to make decisions at an early age. Here are some comparisons of Montessori and traditional education. http://www.alexandermontessori.com/about...

Be careful about which Montessori school you choose. Some schools call themselves "Montessori" but are not. They may not have Montessori materials or the teachers are not Montessori trained. Look at http://www.montessoriservices.com Check out some of the language, practical life, and math materials. A true Montessori school will have these types of materials. Also, make sure the teachers in the Montessori school went through a Montessori training program. Montessori is a good choice! Good luck!

I must comment on some of the other answers. While some Montessori schools are expensive, it is not the case with all of them. Some are in it for the money, but the same goes for any school. The program I am currently in is the cheapest in my area (for both traditional and Montessori). We are not in it for the money. We are in it to provide a quality experience for our students.

In regards to Eileen’s comments, a true Montessori program would encourage play and working together. Maria Montessori said to "follow the child." If a child wants to play, they can play. If a child wants to work with another child, they can. We do, however, encourage a balance between work and play, and working independently and with others. A child can use something as long as they want to. When they put it away, another child can use it. We don't force sharing, but will empathize with a child who wants something and encourage sharing to come from the heart. This is true to real life. You wouldn't be encouraged to share your new car with your neighbor right? It is essentially the same thing when it comes to a child sharing their prized possessions.

We put a huge emphasis and problem solving and conflict management! That is why a true Montessori classroom seems so peaceful. The children are great problem solvers and great at conflict management. Eileen's experience seems to be at one Montessori program. Not all are like this. I truly hope she finds a great Montessori program so that her views are not different from what Montessori really should be!

Answer 2

I have taught in both as well, but disagree with the other comments so far. The school I worked at did not allow children to play (which is truly how they learn) and did not encourage sharing or working together - every child could only work on their own mat, no sharing of ideas or learning how to solve conflict. Everything was completely structured and their only true "playtime" was 2 sections of 30min play outdoors.

The philosophy of Montessori, however, is wonderful. I guess, as always, it really depends on the teachers in the classroom.

Another point I must make - you have to determine if the school is right for YOUR child. Some children, particularly boys, are not ready for the structure of a Montessori classroom between 2-5 years old. They need and learn best from more active and rambunctious play. Make sure whatever school you send your child to, truly suits his needs.

Answer 3

If you can afford it, I'd definitely go with the Montessori school.
My oldest son went to one and is confident, very sociable, learns well and he had a fantastic time.
My youngest isn't old enough yet but when he is, he'll be going to the same preschool.
I can't recommend them highly enough!
I think it's a good idea to go and look at the one you're considering though, to make sure they follow the Montessori principles and that you like the the way the teachers are with the children.
Good luck :-)

PS: I'm a relaxed sort of parent, I didn't find the structure to be too rigid at all, just fun and informative. I liked the teacher to child ratio. 2:12 in our school.

Answer 4

I have always gone traditional, Montessori is too rigid in my opinion for formative age children but it all depends on the type of parent you are. If you are strict and Run disciplined home, go Montessori, if you are more relaxed and learn at your own time type parent traditional is defiantly the way to go... GOOD LUCK

Check out this monteseri loink below, it may be right for you

Answer 5

I have also taught at both and agree 100% with the first answerer. I would never go back to traditional pre-k. I was so impressed by the program and the way the children thrived. Even the toddler classroom was organized and sucessful. Not full of huge germ covered toyboxes and screaming kids. Visit a few school and compare, I think you will notice a BIG difference. Its awesome

Answer 6

I'VE WORKED IN THE TRADITIONAL AND MONTESSORI AND I LIKE MONTESSORI MUCH BETTER. I KNOW LONGER WORK IN CHILD CARE , BUT MY OLDEST IS 2YR. AND SHE GOES TO MONTESSORI. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR DECISION !

Answer 7

I found it to be expensive.