I am putting this under Montessori because I am wondering if you other Montessorians out there have the same experiences. My daughter just turned 2, we have just moved to Rome and we have been desperately looking for a nursery for her, 3 hours per day, while I take an intensive Italian course. I would LOVE to put her in Montessori but the international Montessori school that I had selected is nowhere near where we ended up getting an apartment and there are no other Montessori schools for two-year olds that are close to us (and we live in Rome, Italy. Can you believe it?? The irony of it all!!!).
So, I have been visiting nurseries and daycares of all kinds, and it just depresses me so much. When I enter a daycare, nursery or preschool, I ask myself, what are the children here doing? Do they look like they are just passing time? Or are they having new experiences here that allow them to grow, emotionally and intellectually. And in every single case, it is clear beyond doubt that the children are...just passing time. There is inevitably lots of crying from the younger ones who feel neglected in a room of 20 children and 2 teachers, one or two boxes of plastic toys, half of which are broken or so used that they should be put in recycling, shelves of disorganized pull-out trays filled with junk, things strewn on the floor and chaos everywhere.
At the end of last week, I was ready just to get a part-time nanny. But my daughter is so bored at home with just one adult. She begs me to take her to see other kids and I just cannot imagine that being with a nanny for three hours is going to do it for her (and we don't know any other people with children at this point). So I caved and we are sending her to the nursery at the British school. It's the same deal as the rest - small room, boxes laden with junk, old playdo encrusted on the table - like a child's room that has not been tidied in months. But at least there are 2 very nurturing teachers for 10 children (instead of 20) and you never hear crying.
I just really really really hope that I can get her into the closest Montessori children's house next year. Really.
So, I have been visiting nurseries and daycares of all kinds, and it just depresses me so much. When I enter a daycare, nursery or preschool, I ask myself, what are the children here doing? Do they look like they are just passing time? Or are they having new experiences here that allow them to grow, emotionally and intellectually. And in every single case, it is clear beyond doubt that the children are...just passing time. There is inevitably lots of crying from the younger ones who feel neglected in a room of 20 children and 2 teachers, one or two boxes of plastic toys, half of which are broken or so used that they should be put in recycling, shelves of disorganized pull-out trays filled with junk, things strewn on the floor and chaos everywhere.
At the end of last week, I was ready just to get a part-time nanny. But my daughter is so bored at home with just one adult. She begs me to take her to see other kids and I just cannot imagine that being with a nanny for three hours is going to do it for her (and we don't know any other people with children at this point). So I caved and we are sending her to the nursery at the British school. It's the same deal as the rest - small room, boxes laden with junk, old playdo encrusted on the table - like a child's room that has not been tidied in months. But at least there are 2 very nurturing teachers for 10 children (instead of 20) and you never hear crying.I just really really really hope that I can get her into the closest Montessori children's house next year. Really.
