When do they have time for imagination?

[JoyFilled]

We are changing daycares and the only option really is Montessori.  When I checked it out I liked the calm environment but am worried it might be too quite for my daughter.  My daughter is 3, bright and social.  She loves to get with friends and imagine a world of play.  Is there room for this in Montessori and how does it look?  

[MattBronsil]

There's a whole 2-3 hour work period every morning and/or afternoon where she'll be able to do that.
 

[nyssaneala]

Your daughter sounds somewhat like mine. My DD is extremely social, imaginative, and bright. She is thriving at a Montessori school. She socializes and does imaginative play during her recess. During the work period she is still social, but in a way that is directed towards group work. She loves to work in pairs with someone else, working independently the Montessori way does not necessarily mean working alone. They also do group time every day, have Kindermusik once a week, and some form of physical activity (in addition to recess) every day. Those are all times that allow the kids to be creative.

Last year, she did become easily distracted while she was doing her work. fyi, 'work' is the term Montessori schools use to describe the activities a child chooses to do. There are different parts to a Montessori classroom, sensorial, practical life, math, language arts, science, and geography.

http://www.amshq.org/Montessori%20Education/Introduction%20to%20Montessori.aspx

The classroom environment really depends on the teacher, I would highly recommend observing the classroom. Also, any school can use the name 'Montessori', so sometimes that label doesn't mean much.
 

[JoyFilled]

nyssaneala - thanks for the reply it was helpful.  Her teacher has been trained in Montessori and has 7 year experience so I hope that means she is running her class properly.  I am really hoping that there is a lot of respect taught there because her daycare now it seems that everyone is mean to everyone.