Great Forum

[Meretta]

Hi,
I'm a new visitor to MDC and was really happy to see this Montessori forum. I am intending to start my DS in the montessori system in January, he will be 2 years old.
I live in Kuwait so I guess that the school is accredited with AMI. I have heard them recommended a lot but have not yet visited them, I will do so when they return after the summer holiday in September. It's nice to know that there are so many Montessori Mums here, I will know where to come as soon as I have questions about the schhol/system.
Firstly, I was wondering what I should read about Montessori system before I go visit the school, I have read some basics on the montessori website already. If there's some other good material online I would really appreciate it. And if anyone has ideas on particular things I should look out for when I visit the school, please mention them.
Also I was thinking of visiting a Montessori school in Minneapolis when I visit there in November, so I can compare the schools. If anyone can advise on a good school there that I should visit I would appreciate it.
Anyway, I'm happy to meet everyone and looking forward to participating here in the future,
Meretta

[SunRise]

Hi!

I definitely recommend visiting a school in Minneapolis, for comparison purposes, if you can swing it...but if it is during the summer there might not be so much to observe! It might be interesting to see none the less. Have a list of questions ready to ask

The Montessori that my son will more the likely attend in the fall runs a "camp" during the summer. But I don't think parents come to observe during the summer since it is not the same as what their kids would be doing during the school year. During the school year you typically make an appointment which includes a 20 minute observation in a class room.

I also recommend doing the observation since it will tell you more then anything you can read - you cannot read the expression on the childrens faces in a book!

There is a recommended book to read, but I dont know the name of it off hand. If you poke around here, on this site, I am sure you will find the names of books and lots of other information.

Cheers,
Sara

[mavery]

Hi Meretta,
My ds just started in a Montessori. He's 22mos. I'm just learning now about all the questions I wish I'd asked (I have a couple of other posts about my concerns). At the top of my list is how separation is handled (well, I did ask this one, it just turns out I didn't get the information I really needed: that parents aren't allowed in the classrooms or to observe their child's class or to ease them into the school day at all). But in general I'm realising that although I have read a lot about Montessori philosophy, I have relatively little understanding of how it is put into practice in this particular school. So I'm planning to go to school tomorrow with a big list of questions (many culled from this forum) about how "lessons" are given (e.g. how does the teacher respond if the child doesn't do the activity as demonstrated/as intended), how their interactions with other children are managed (what if they go over to another child who is working?) etc. etc.

I wish I had more of a feel of what ds's experience would be like. Maybe when you are thinking about what you need to know, try to imagine a day from your child's point of view, and ask about any blanks you come up with?
Good luck.

[mysweetfiona]

I wanted to add that a concern of mine is how extended is X school? I don't want them to get comfortable and then have to switch to regular school. In my area, the highest grade is 8th. And that is in only ONE school. BUT its sure better than the norm at age 6 for the rest of them.

So how long do you want this to carry on?

Lori

[lauren]

WElcome Meretta. Look through the past threads on the forum and you'll find lots of interesting info!!