Montessori: Yes or No?

[Freddysmama]

Hi - I'm new here, been doing a little lurking, wondering if I could get some input from other mums...

My son is currently attending a Montessori pre-school (he's 3.5, in the 3-5 programme). We love his school and the programme and now I'm wondering whether to continue him through to the primary/elementary school.

I guess I'm looking for the experiences of parents and children who have been through the montessori system - the good stuff and the bad...

TIA

Kirstin (mama to Jacob 3.5 and Lily 18months)
(in Sydney, Australia)

[Flor]

We have an entire Montessori forum. Have you checked it out? It's inside the Learning at School Forum. There is a Montessori forum, Waldorf Forum and comparisons.

[Freddysmama]

Originally Posted by Flor

We have an entire Montessori forum. Have you checked it out? It's inside the Learning at School Forum. There is a Montessori forum, Waldorf Forum and comparisons.

Thank you. I did spot the forum and I've been reading in there. I was hoping I might get some input from the "opposition" so to speak, if I posted in the more general area - I'm guessing those who are not so keen on Montessori for various reasons, would have little reason to visit the dedicated forum...

[Lingmom]

I really like montessori for younger kids, but I prefer more traditional programs as kids get older. On the other hand, kids learn in so many different ways, if the program fits you and your child, I'm sure he'll do just fine in the long run.

[Freddysmama]

Originally Posted by Lingmom

I really like montessori for younger kids, but I prefer more traditional programs as kids get older. On the other hand, kids learn in so many different ways, if the program fits you and your child, I'm sure he'll do just fine in the long run.

Hi, thanks for your reply. Do you mind me asking have you had children go through the Montessori system? What was your experience that you prefer the more traditional schooling for the older children?

[Freddysmama]

Bump...

[Lingmom]

I just figured you were looking for an opinion I have only experienced montessori pre-school and not older montessori education. Sorry for getting your hopes up for an informed criticism!

[Freddysmama]

Originally Posted by Lingmom

I just figured you were looking for an opinion I have only experienced montessori pre-school and not older montessori education. Sorry for getting your hopes up for an informed criticism!

aah, nevermind Thanks anyway...

[Freddysmama]

bump...

[kmeyrick]

I would consider your child's personality. Is he/she naturally responsible and independent? Or does he/she really need guidance and structure. I would have been the latter. If your child is the latter, I might consider a waldorf school. If it's the former, I think you would be very pleased with an elementary montessori school.

[raksmama]

[QUOTE=Freddysmama;9994585]Hi - I'm new here, been doing a little lurking, wondering if I could get some input from other mums...
My son is currently attending a Montessori pre-school (he's 3.5, in the 3-5 programme). We love his school and the programme and now I'm wondering whether to continue him through to the primary/elementary school.
QUOTE]

Does the school you are in now have an elementary program?
I am just asking because I am no expert, but I know Montessori schools really can vary.

My son was briefly in a fantastic one,he joined in the middle of the year when we pulled him out of Waldorf. I thought all Montessori schools were great but we had to move and unfortunately the Montessori schools in the new town did not impress me at all. In fact had I based my impression of Montessori schools on these schools (in the new city we live) I would not have a good impression at all.

SO if you like your school where your child is now and they have an elementary why not stay there?

Our son is now in a public Catholic school and we are happy but of course there are always things we like and dislike in all systems.....

[Freddysmama]

Originally Posted by kmeyrick

I would consider your child's personality. Is he/she naturally responsible and independent? Or does he/she really need guidance and structure. I would have been the latter. If your child is the latter, I might consider a waldorf school. If it's the former, I think you would be very pleased with an elementary montessori school.

Thank you - that's the kind of input I'm after!

[Freddysmama]

Does the school you are in now have an elementary program?
I am just asking because I am no expert, but I know Montessori schools really can vary.

My son was briefly in a fantastic one,he joined in the middle of the year when we pulled him out of Waldorf. I thought all Montessori schools were great but we had to move and unfortunately the Montessori schools in the new town did not impress me at all. In fact had I based my impression of Montessori schools on these schools (in the new city we live) I would not have a good impression at all.

SO if you like your school where your child is now and they have an elementary why not stay there?

Our son is now in a public Catholic school and we are happy but of course there are always things we like and dislike in all systems.....[/QUOTE]

Our Pre-school doesn't continue but there is another local Montessori that has the continuing programme. The two schools are quite happy to have the kids transferring from one to the other at the end of their particular cycle. If it was just a matter of him continuing through the school he is at, I think the decision would be much easier :-/ My cousin's daughter went to a really crappy Montessori - I think it may have been one of those that "use" the Montessori name only... not good

[Flor]

I don't think that your child has to be particularly independent to do well in a Montessori classroom. In fact, I wanted ds in a M. classroom because I felt that he needed the structure. I find the environment highly structured. They can choose their activities all day long because they know all the routines and expectations. Ds is naturally very shy and introverted, but in the Montessori classroom he feels very comfortable making his own decisions because of the structure. It is so structured that I've seen the teacher leave the room for a few minutes and a class of 15 2-5 year olds continues functioning without noticing their teacher is gone. (I imagine the classroom where I teach 8th grade and what happens if I just step in the hall for a moment. . . )

By the way, what are your other options if you decide Montessori isn't for you? Montessori is the only alternative school in our town so I haven't had to make this kind of decision. Have you seen the "comparisons" forum?