5yo starting Montessori ??

[arratt]

My dd will be 5 in a few weeks, has never been to school, and is starting Montessori in Jan. I planned to keep her home but seems her personality is better suited to be schooled outside of the home. As I can see M. is my only option because we want an alternative form of education and M. is all that is offered where we live. I feel like I agree with most of the M. general philosophy from what I know, although I havent studied everything in detail. I would like a book suggestion (if you had to pick ONE book)to familiarize myself in more detail with the teaching methods and what I can do at home.

Also, would love to hear some suggestions or thoughts on my dd jumping into this kind of environment and such an "old" age. Im pretty nervous about it because it is 5 days/week and the days seem so long (8:30-2:30) and she has never been in the environment, I am worried she will be overwhelmed (although probably she will be fine and I will be the only one with anxiety).
She has been in dance, gymnastics, and other weekly classes for 1.5 years so she has an idea of how structured settings work but those classes are only an hour each.
Appreciate any response
Shannon

[Lillianna]

Hello arratt!
My three favorite books by Montessori are "The Absorbent Mind", "The Discovery of the Child" and "The Secret of Childhood" but I can't decide which one I like best. These books are great for a inspirational perspective, a first hand account of the philosophy she developed and details of the history of the movement. OR For a general overview and very pragmatic guide, try Aline Wolf's: A Parent's Guide to the Montessori Classroom. For information about incorporating Montessori theory at home, the Michael Olaf catalogs do a great job with detailed explainations of the items they sell.
As far as the adjustment goes, I would suggest working closely with the Directress, follow her suggestions. Maybe you can visit the classroom together before she starts. You could get to know some of the other parents and children. Are there any family events or meetings you could attend? I think it helps for the child to see you as part of the community. And also (since you mentioned it) I think it is helpful for the child not to sense your anxiety too much. But, you should feel comfortable with your decision so if you feel too anxious, maybe you need to ask more questions and have more interaction with the staff. Reading more about the philosophy will help you decide if you are comfortable with it, too. Well, good luck!

[LeAnnie]

Hi..I wanted to post because my dd started Montessori this fall at age 4yrs and 9 months having previously not been in a formal school. Like you, we did various classes (arts and dance) of short duration. Her school is the morning 5 days a week. I did choose not to send her all day for this year because of the newness of it all. She's done fabulously. There were a few days of separation anxiety which dissolved when dad started dropping her off at school.
I was going to homeschool because I wanted something alternative, but because my dd is very extroverted, chose to try the Montessori school. I'm fortunate that she has a very experienced teacher and she has been infused with knowledge and exuberance from being with the other children. It's really neat to see her learn things in a day from the environment/directress that I've tried to show her for the past year. I would have doubted that as a homeschooling believer until I saw it happen. My dd's personality didn't seem to work with homeschooling-or perhaps it was my personality!
Anyway,my only suggestion would be to see if the school will allow half day because my dd does say the whole day is too long and she misses me after lunch. She stays all day the one day a week that I work, and really isn't too fond of it although the older kids do more interesting work in the afternoon.
It is a lot to get used to, the Mont. environment, but if a child is ready and open to it it's really amazing.

[arratt]

I appreciate the response. Anyone else want to share their story or have any opinions/suggestions??