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	ask the experts herbert kohl

Herbert Kohl
Educator K-12

• I just had a conference with my son's fourth grade teacher. He told me that even though my son's grades are fine, he won't pay attention in class, figits in his seat, and even walks around when other the children are working. The teacher thinks he has a Learning Disability or an Attention Deficit Disorder and suggested a visit with the school psychologist. He also mentioned that ritalin might help with the problem. My son tells me he is bored in class and doesn't see why he should have to sit in his seat when he's done with his work. Also he is never bored at home and likes to do things at his own pace. What should I do?
• What is your opinion about Montessori education for a preschooler?
• There are so many educational choices – it’s hard to decide what is best. What is your expert opinion on Waldorf-based education and how does it differ from Montessori?

I just had a conference with my son's fourth grade teacher. He told me that even though my son's grades are fine, he won't pay attention in class, figits in his seat, and even walks around when other the children are working. The teacher thinks he has a Learning Disability or an Attention Deficit Disorder and suggested a visit with the school psychologist. He also mentioned that ritalin might help with the problem. My son tells me he is bored in class and doesn't see why he should have to sit in his seat when he's done with his work. Also he is never bored at home and likes to do things at his own pace. What should I do?

You are not the only one in the same situation. However the problem may not be with your son but with the way his classroom is set up. I would never recommend Ritalin for a child unless there was a medically documented problem that research shows it alleviates. If your child is doing his work, is fine at home, and is bored he shares that condition with hundreds of other children. I suggest you investigate whether there are other, more informal styles of classroom in the school and try to get your sons transferred into one of them. If not you might have to search for another, more suitable school for your child. Unless your child is a clear problem to himself or others there is no reason to let him slip into the special education system and become stigmatized throughout his entire school career.

What is your opinion about Montessori education for a preschooler?

There are many good reasons to send a preschooler to a Montessori school. The curriculum is well thought out and engages the children in what could be called guided discovery. It can provide an excellent base for future complex learning. However there are Montessori Schools and Montessori schools. Some are rigid and joyless while others, while using the same system and materials, are full of life and movement. These latter often move beyond the Montessori curriculum into the arts, drama, music and sports. I believe that this second type of Montessori school is preferable as it encourages children space to develop their imaginations and learn through creative play.

There are so many educational choices – it’s hard to decide what is best. What is your expert opinion on Waldorf-based education and how does it differ from Montessori?

When thinking about choosing a school for your child it is essential to think about your child as well as about the school. The match is essential as there is no system of education that is best for all children. The curriculum in Montessori schools is quite structured and there is a sequence of hands on activities that all children pass though. The material is very well planned and the challenges students face are graded in levels of difficulty. The students do not create the material but the material does tease and tempt the young mind and provide a solid base for future learning.

There are a range of Montessori schools. Some take the Montessori system and structure as absolute and others are looser with students engaged in many other kinds of activities. When looking at a Montessori school one thing to look at is what they do other than Montessori – are there creative activities, where are the arts, theater, free play, music and dance? Is there a balance or just a system?

Waldorf education, in contrast to the Montessori system, is centered on the creative work of the child. It is an education that honors the “magical” child that is expressed through painting, drawing, theater, dance, and music. A Waldorf education, at its best, provides children with the opportunity to express themselves and feel free and creative. At its worse every work of a child is treated as a work of genius and the discipline and self-criticism needed for many complex learning challenges is not developed. Of course there are many Waldorf schools that do integrate more disciplined learning.

The question of whether Waldorf or Montessori is best for your child should consider whether the school provides a convivial atmosphere for children, whether you feel comfortable with the adults who work at the school, and finally whether your children will be most comfortable with creative structure as in Montessori, or with a more open arts oriented environment as with Waldorf.