Fantasy play

[Marilyn82]

My son is starting Montessori school next week and I am a little nervous. I guess I am worried about the amount of fantasy-type things he has already been exposed to. His dad loves (LOVES) Star Wars and superhero stuff and plays video games a little, and our son also loves the same stuff. I think mainly because its stuff that he and daddy have in common and they play light sabers together...things like that. I'm just wondering if that is going to be a problem in school. Should I completely eliminate letting him watch/play those kinds of things or just try to explain that it is seperate from school and only can be seen/played at home? My DS is 5 and has no previous M experience...any input would be great! Thanks!

[GuildJenn]

We don't try to eliminate things our son enjoys at home. Mine is younger so maybe there are issues I don't see, but I see no conflict really... in a Montessori class there is a natural rhythm and excitement and I bet your son will be engaged there and it won't be an issue.

[lactivist]

My 3yo goes to M and is big into fantasy play. The most I heard about it is was that he and a particular boy like to "fantasy play" in his conference. There wasn't much more said besides that one comment. I think they just redirect them to other things and it hasn't been a problem because M is such a controlled environment.
Wendi

[MattBronsil]

As a Smurf-loving, Tom and Jerry addicted child who loved Star Wars because my brother loved Star Wars, but really loved He-Man I can honestly say...

...he'll be fine.

When I was a child, I never really looked around my Montessori classrooms and said, "Wow! This place sucks because there's no fantasy stuff here." I was so amazed at the math materials and reading/writing that I didn't see school as a place where there SHOULD be those things. I saw school as a fun place to do other things.

He will quickly find an interest in other things and still keep his love for things he likes to do at home. Those may change as he gets older, but he will still see them as 2 different places to do two different types of activities.

Matt

[BCFD]

LOL Matt!!!! "Smurf Lovin'" You are too funny these days!

My DD comes home and tells me all about how her and her friends played "pirate" or "monster" on the playground, but when they are in the classroom they are very focused on their work. This month was dinosaur month and I'm sure there were a lot of children matching dinosaurs and "making them roar". My kids also love transfer work and when they do it at home with beans, rice, etc. they will say, "Mommy, I made you a cake" and I have seen them using toothpicks from another job (plastic toothpicks in a sugar shaker) as the candles.

[MattBronsil]

Originally Posted by BCFD

LOL Matt!!!! "Smurf Lovin'" You are too funny these days!

My DD comes home and tells me all about how her and her friends played "pirate" or "monster" on the playground, but when they are in the classroom they are very focused on their work. This month was dinosaur month and I'm sure there were a lot of children matching dinosaurs and "making them roar". My kids also love transfer work and when they do it at home with beans, rice, etc. they will say, "Mommy, I made you a cake" and I have seen them using toothpicks from another job (plastic toothpicks in a sugar shaker) as the candles.

The cake sounds delicious. :-)

[Marilyn82]

Thanks for the responses guys! I was just afraid he would try to play light sabers with the number rods or something but we went to orientation today and he seemed enamoured with all the materials, so hopefully that won't happen, lol!

[BCFD]

Originally Posted by Marilyn82

Thanks for the responses guys! I was just afraid he would try to play light sabers with the number rods or something but we went to orientation today and he seemed enamoured with all the materials, so hopefully that won't happen, lol!

Oh, well they won't let him do that! They should just gently remind him that the red rods are not to be used like that. I have heard the teachers say, "Oh, that is our beautiful pink tower. Lets be gentle with that." Red rods are expensive, especially if they buy from Nienhaus.

[MattBronsil]

Originally Posted by Marilyn82

Thanks for the responses guys! I was just afraid he would try to play light sabers with the number rods or something but we went to orientation today and he seemed enamoured with all the materials, so hopefully that won't happen, lol!

Someone, every year, turns them into a sword. We step in quickly. :-)

Matt