Concern about class size/teacher ratio

[Julbug]

I everybody. I went to a Montessori open house this weekend that made me want to enroll myself. The upper grades just seemed like so much fun.

I have some misgivings about the Children's House though. (My daughter would be starting in the fall at 3 yrs old).

Most of the more expensive preschools around here boast a low student-teacher ratios, so I was surprised to find the Children's House has just one teacher and an assistant for 20 students. I kind of get the theory behind that -- the students are working on their own and the teacher is just a guide -- but it still seems wrong to me. Can two adults really observe and keep track of the progress and interests of that many children? And while I like the multi-age groupings in theory, it makes me nervous to think of sending my little girl into a classroom of 20 kids, some of them essentially kindergarteners.

I'm going to ask about this at the parent tour in two weeks and maybe it will make more sense once I see a classroom in action. But do any of you have experience with this? Does a big classroom with one teacher really work for a 3-year-old who's never been to school before?

I'm also uneasy about the 5 days a week thing, but that's probably a topic for another post.

Julie

[sapphire_chan]

Actually, that's quite a low ratio for a Montessori class. The ideal is at at least 30 students, 10 per age, 15 boys, 15 girls.

Because, 20 of the kids should already be normalized to a Montessori environment and need essentially no supervision, and who can be asked to give lessons to other kids. Then there's 10 new kids who will start off getting the most attention from the teacher, but with the example of 20 experienced kids would quickly pick up on what's what.

Originally Posted by http://www.michaelolaf.net/1CW312MI.html#Size

Class Size: The most successful 3-6 or 6-12 classes are of 30-35 children to one teacher, with one non teaching assistant, this number reached gradually over 1-3 years. This provides the most variety of personalities, learning styles, and work being done at one time. This class size is possible because the children learn from each other and stay with the same teacher for three to six years. This size help to create much independent work, and peer teaching, and eliminates the possibility of too much teacher-centered, teacher-directed work.

Just as a class of 30+ would be a disaster in a regular preschool, a class of 10 or so wouldn't be good for Montessori. Totally different systems and structures.

You'll probably be most reassured by actually observing a class in action. And you should do that regardless, even if you knew 100% that you wanted a Montessori school, because there is such a range of quality.

You also, if you haven't already, are going to want to do some reading and learning about the Montessori method and philosophy. The school you're looking at will likely have a book or 3 that you can borrow.

[nanette0269]

I'd agree...see a class during their work session. its truly an amazing thing to watch.

keep in mind also, that the older kids act as leaders, so they are keeping an eye and "guiding" the little ones, mimicking the teachers actually.

also, keep in mind that while some of the kids have music/gym/art, these are usually different teachers. so, while my daughter takes art, the P3 and kindy are in the class with 2 teachers....10 kids/teacher. likewise, when my son is in music, the teachers have kindy and PK.

it really does work since the kids take on leadership, rather than trying to get away with something. the latter simply does not happen.

as for the 5 days/week, its pretty normal in a montessori environment. since the kids are in a class for 3 years, they build a routine and a community. by only being part time, your child would not be well integrated into this environment. also, children like the routine, so a day at school, a day home, and repeat just simply doesnt do a child good.

[MattBronsil]

Wow. I was going to reply, but seems others have.

[Julbug]

This is definitely a different way of thinking. I guess I was imagining a typical group of 4- and 5-year-olds, not kids who have grown up in this environment. This must be amazing to see. I am really looking forward to the classroom visit.

Thank you for the reassurance.

Julie

[nanette0269]

Just as another example....I think this puts it into perspective.

When my son (now 3.5) started the 3-6 class, he was not potty trained 100%....he was maybe 50% during the day. They insisted on him wearing underpants from day one, and said simply that they will deal with it...its part of the practical life skills that they develop. They wanted NO pullups in the room at all.

At first, I was taken aback by this...how could 2 teachers handle this? Then, I broke it down by the numbers. 10 are in kindy. 10 are in PreK. 10 are in Pre-3. Probably half of the kids in Pre-3 are trained. So, that leaves 5 children in the entire class that they need to potty train. 2 teachers, 5 kids. And...these 5 kids will witness the restroom routine of ALL 25 other children...and the older kids will tell them its ok to stop their "work" to use the restroom...the older kids essentially reinforce the routine and the acceptance and desire of wanting to be potty trained. They will see the routine and that its expected and they will easily rise to the occassion.

My son was 100% trained during the day within 3 weeks

[BCFD]

I just wanted to add my .02 cents and say that 20 children to 2 teachers seems like a perfect ratio!! My children were in a Montessori preschool with about 23/24 kids to two teachers and there was never a problem.