Pros and Cons of Montessori education?

[Anonymous]

Although it is important to find a school that is fit for your children, it is just as important for the parents/guardians to actively participate in children's education. My son started in a traditional pre school and is now in Montessori(he is 3 1/2 now). My son's traditional class was mixed ages as well 3-5y/o and the teacher spent so much time prepping the older children for K that the younger students, including my son where acting out for attention. The teachers never had anything good to say about my son and he hated going there. There was no individualized attention and students were only "good" if they conformed to the teacher's standards. My son is no angel but he is doing much better in Montessori. He loves going everyday and has learned more in 2 months than he learned from an entire year at the previous program. In either school setting, there are many contributing factors to consider when choosing a school and you can't hate an entire method because of one facility. Traditional and Montessori both have pros and cons so there is no need to debate over which is better. They both have flaws so it boils down to personal preference. And for the homework and study skills issue, parents should know the curriculum and have their children work on those activities at home as well whether there was homework or not. learning doesn't stop just because the school day has. Participate in your children's education regardless of school preference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a teacher I would just like to add my own input. I have had many students transfer from Montessori schools to my public school classroom and truly struggle. In Montessori education students are not taught deadlines or accountability and are often shocked when they have to hand in reports or essays on time. Parents too are shocked when they see that their Montessori educated child is not always the star pupil of the class. I have also found that although these children enjoy reading and love to write and write and write, if one actually reads their work it is riddled with grammatical errors. This has just been my observation over my years of teaching. Hope that helps some people.

I see two issues here. One is the philosphy and administration of the Montessori school. Some Montessoris emphasize grammar and some do not. I am partial to AMI, but even within AMI or AMS, their is a good deal of variation between schools in terms of how well students are taught to write. However, many public schools are a disaster when it comes to teaching writing -- good writing has become a lost art. Also, public schools tend not to teach much geography, and often use questionable methodologies to teach math.

The bigger issue is that the variation in instructional method and curriculum between a Montessori school and public school becomes increasing large in later grades, and so the transition for the child is often rough. Public schools have age-segregated classes, a lot of multiple-choice tests, and often follow the latest education fads, irrespective of their efficacy. With the rise of No Child Left Behind, many public schools, have basically stopped teaching history, science, art, music, writing, creative thinking, etc., and focus primarily on drilling basic math and reading. Montessoris, on the other hand, offer their students a rich curricula, and an environment conducive to learning.

Before first grade, the differences between Montessori and public schools that I cite above are not that large, so typically there is no problem for the child who does Montessori from age 3-6, and then goes to public school. It's a bigger issue for students who attend a Montessori school up to third grade, six grade, or higher, and then try to transfer to public school. The outcome of the transfer is often the same -- the students is far beyond their peers, but the public school considers their intellectual curiosity to be a bevahioral problem.

My advice to others who have children in a Montessori school beyond the age of 6, or who plan to do so is that you will likely need to find a private school or specialized public school (e.g., magnet, charter) to send them to after they graduate.

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ARE YOU SERIOUS??? public schools have stopped teaching history, science, art, music, writing, creative thinking, etc., and focus primarily on drilling basic math and reading.????? Wow Biased is an under statement for you sweet heart. My daughter was in montessori school till she was 5, it was awful. I paid alot of money to not only have her NOT reading by the first grade, but she knew NONE of her sight words, and though that everything was a game, and had no structure was lost when we decided to place her in a public school, she was behind all the other kids who could already read and write, well... She cought up in first grade, but we had to hire a private tutor to get her where she SHOULD be. Montessori schools are for lazy parents who dont want to sit down each night and do homework, who dont want to hands on... Also Montessori doesn't change with the times, and doesn't accept new research based techniques and is very closed minded towards other schools of thought.

[Anonymous]

to 14:33: a preschool with a class ranging from 2 to 5 is NOT a traditional preschool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a teacher I would just like to add my own input. I have had many students transfer from Montessori schools to my public school classroom and truly struggle. In Montessori education students are not taught deadlines or accountability and are often shocked when they have to hand in reports or essays on time. Parents too are shocked when they see that their Montessori educated child is not always the star pupil of the class. I have also found that although these children enjoy reading and love to write and write and write, if one actually reads their work it is riddled with grammatical errors. This has just been my observation over my years of teaching. Hope that helps some people.

I see two issues here. One is the philosphy and administration of the Montessori school. Some Montessoris emphasize grammar and some do not. I am partial to AMI, but even within AMI or AMS, their is a good deal of variation between schools in terms of how well students are taught to write. However, many public schools are a disaster when it comes to teaching writing -- good writing has become a lost art. Also, public schools tend not to teach much geography, and often use questionable methodologies to teach math.

The bigger issue is that the variation in instructional method and curriculum between a Montessori school and public school becomes increasing large in later grades, and so the transition for the child is often rough. Public schools have age-segregated classes, a lot of multiple-choice tests, and often follow the latest education fads, irrespective of their efficacy. With the rise of No Child Left Behind, many public schools, have basically stopped teaching history, science, art, music, writing, creative thinking, etc., and focus primarily on drilling basic math and reading. Montessoris, on the other hand, offer their students a rich curricula, and an environment conducive to learning.

Before first grade, the differences between Montessori and public schools that I cite above are not that large, so typically there is no problem for the child who does Montessori from age 3-6, and then goes to public school. It's a bigger issue for students who attend a Montessori school up to third grade, six grade, or higher, and then try to transfer to public school. The outcome of the transfer is often the same -- the students is far beyond their peers, but the public school considers their intellectual curiosity to be a bevahioral problem.

My advice to others who have children in a Montessori school beyond the age of 6, or who plan to do so is that you will likely need to find a private school or specialized public school (e.g., magnet, charter) to send them to after they graduate.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ARE YOU SERIOUS??? public schools have stopped teaching history, science, art, music, writing, creative thinking, etc., and focus primarily on drilling basic math and reading.????? Wow Biased is an under statement for you sweet heart. My daughter was in montessori school till she was 5, it was awful. I paid alot of money to not only have her NOT reading by the first grade, but she knew NONE of her sight words, and though that everything was a game, and had no structure was lost when we decided to place her in a public school, she was behind all the other kids who could already read and write, well... She cought up in first grade, but we had to hire a private tutor to get her where she SHOULD be. Montessori schools are for lazy parents who dont want to sit down each night and do homework, who dont want to hands on... Also Montessori doesn't change with the times, and doesn't accept new research based techniques and is very closed minded towards other schools of thought.

This is the funniest thing I have ever read. You had your kid in Montessori UNTIL she was 5? And she wasn't reading by 5? Hmmm. OK. So she entered public school not reading and she was behind all the other kids--yeah, right--because her school UNTIL she was 5 did not teach her to read? Hmmm. OK. See, Montessori is not for people who just use it like a preschool and run.

You know absolutely zero about Montessori. Just because you paid for it for a few years and your kid wasn't reading chapter books by 5, all Montessori parents are lazy? You must have been a dream parent.

[Anonymous]

As a Montessori teacher it bothers me how so many people categorize Montessori schools as all being the exact same. I am an early childhood educator as well as Montessori trained. With this being said I see they benefits of traditional education but also see how effective Montessori can be for children's development. My school is a Montessori school that will never be outdated as we roll the times and incorporate curriculum that is suited to the childrens interested and needs. We also track development and although we let children direct their own learning we also ensure that they are not falling behind and are benefiting from all areas o the classroom. What I have found is that we have children leaving the program who have a true love of learning due to them being able to learn at their own pace, through hands on work and through using their own preffered learning style. These children are also highly independent and confident. They have knowledge well beyond what they will learn in grade one traditional schools.

[Anonymous]

my experience with my children in Montessori is that the system seems to be a closed to the outsiders club…you have to wait till your child can actually talk before you learn about their day; what they did; what they mastered. Montessori does not send a paper home on what your child did. So go on the behavior of the child you get at the end of the day. They cannot really move to the next level until they mastered the items at the level presented to them. There are mixed ages because if a younger child is having difficulty with say shoe laces….or buttoning a shirt. An older child will step in and gently show them. There are 2 parental observations allowed in the classroom; parent goes and sits to watch their child "work" and the interactions of others. The newness of a parent in the room distracts the other children; they want to talk to you. I observed some children just walking the line…a circle line on the floor which they may walk to determine what it is they will do next. One child sort of commandeered my child on her mat, taking over…the teacher asked if I had any questions and I had asked about this little boy who took over on my child's mat….she told me he was guiding her…no I said…I observed him taking over…its all about a point of view in Montessori There are 2 teacher/parent meetings in the year. Very hard for the younger child to have you leave 30-minutes after your observation. They want you to stay. Which gave me a red flag of worry for TWO YEARS even thought I was told she was in a safe environment. My 3 year old would sob when I'd leave. My own mother would have gone back for her child. I listened to the teachers. There are 2 teachers to 24 students in a room. They do not hug or pick up to comfort a child, they pat their back. A parent is discouraged to stay long. In fact a parent is encouraged not to carry, hug or pick up a child because this harbors the child's budding independence.

I was constantly told the child's play IS their work with a gentle laugh. They fold laundry, wash the dish ware at the child sized sinks, clean off the tables, set the table for lunch, everything is miniaturized to the child's hand...wipe the leaves off of a dusty plant tedious yet detailed work with a cotton ball and a small bottle of water, window washing, washing clothes, folding laundry, floor mopping, table top scrubbing, dressing, undressing, shoe polish, cleaning one's shows pick the dirt debris out of the bottom of their shoes over a tray using a tooth pick and brush, scissor triangles and paste the triangular papers to a piece of cardboard. Spooning beans into a container, pouring water in a container; given just enough water that will fit in the container…if it spills in the tray that the station is on, child is taught to sponge up the excess and wring it back into the pitcher or original container that held the water. They learn to cut fruits and veggies with small knives. They learn independence early and are quite self sufficient. Its unfortunate that in a regular house every thing is built for the adult in mind…but you can get switches, step stools and lower hooks and closet hardware so that the child can also do things in your house.

Our Montessori starts with kids 16 months to 2.5 years in the first level, 2.5 years to 4 years in the next level up to eighth grade. It is a quiet environment. During one observation I was actually encouraged when there was a substitute teacher present and the older kids actually misbehaved and were rowdy! (The regular teacher was out sick)

You cannot pop in and do an unscheduled observation at any other time of the day…those of us who were horribly curious staked out in the parking lot. LOL I did observe outings on the lawn where they circled, danced and sang, went for small hikes. Read out under the trees.

I was heart sick a good portion of the time. What I really needed to do was stay home with my 2 children until they are school aged. My daughter was in Montessori for 2 years, my son was there for 9 months. It concerned me about the drop offs…you are encouraged to open the door of your car and allow one of the teachers to take your child to their classroom…in a actuality they walk the child into the foyer to return for the next incoming child and then the first child eventually (depends on the child) will find their way to the classroom. I would park the car and walk my kids in and walk, hug and kiss my children good bye at their classroom hallway doors.

My daughter was potty trained by aged 2; completely immersed in the training with 9 other toddlers they learn very quickly about toilet training. Everything can be done at home; just these teachers sit with them and all day long guide them in the "work".

My daughter had a lot of night mares. Or would get in the car at 3pm and cry! What in heavens happened during those days? I would be told so & so had a good day; or today was a rough day…nothing more. To send my two children we were spending $4000. a month.

My children are very bright and I am sure they learned some things. But I also believe to my soul that they need their family and mother more before the age of 5. SO I quit my job, and am at home with them daily. Maybe we will try montessori when older if allowed.

I am told because they started in the system; they will be allowed back. I was also told that it has to be total immersion. They can't do Montessori two days a week. Half days are 8:30 to 11:30 and full days are 8:30 to 3:00. There is hardly any wait time in the classroom; unlike traditional classrooms. Each child is doing something. They are given a group instruction; and then set free to the materials at their level in a room. The classroom teacher decides who can stop taking naps (usually years 3.5 years or 4 years). To answer one of the questions…there is outdoor play 2 times a day…but there are rules there too. They cannot play with dirt; must stay clean. If there is roughhousing caught there will be timeouts, etc. I saw children play but not necessarily in friendly ways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:my experience with my children in Montessori is that the system seems to be a closed to the outsiders club…you have to wait till your child can actually talk before you learn about their day; what they did; what they mastered. Montessori does not send a paper home on what your child did. So go on the behavior of the child you get at the end of the day. They cannot really move to the next level until they mastered the items at the level presented to them. There are mixed ages because if a younger child is having difficulty with say shoe laces….or buttoning a shirt. An older child will step in and gently show them. There are 2 parental observations allowed in the classroom; parent goes and sits to watch their child "work" and the interactions of others. The newness of a parent in the room distracts the other children; they want to talk to you. I observed some children just walking the line…a circle line on the floor which they may walk to determine what it is they will do next. One child sort of commandeered my child on her mat, taking over…the teacher asked if I had any questions and I had asked about this little boy who took over on my child's mat….she told me he was guiding her…no I said…I observed him taking over…its all about a point of view in Montessori There are 2 teacher/parent meetings in the year. Very hard for the younger child to have you leave 30-minutes after your observation. They want you to stay. Which gave me a red flag of worry for TWO YEARS even thought I was told she was in a safe environment. My 3 year old would sob when I'd leave. My own mother would have gone back for her child. I listened to the teachers. There are 2 teachers to 24 students in a room. They do not hug or pick up to comfort a child, they pat their back. A parent is discouraged to stay long. In fact a parent is encouraged not to carry, hug or pick up a child because this harbors the child's budding independence.

I was constantly told the child's play IS their work with a gentle laugh. They fold laundry, wash the dish ware at the child sized sinks, clean off the tables, set the table for lunch, everything is miniaturized to the child's hand...wipe the leaves off of a dusty plant tedious yet detailed work with a cotton ball and a small bottle of water, window washing, washing clothes, folding laundry, floor mopping, table top scrubbing, dressing, undressing, shoe polish, cleaning one's shows pick the dirt debris out of the bottom of their shoes over a tray using a tooth pick and brush, scissor triangles and paste the triangular papers to a piece of cardboard. Spooning beans into a container, pouring water in a container; given just enough water that will fit in the container…if it spills in the tray that the station is on, child is taught to sponge up the excess and wring it back into the pitcher or original container that held the water. They learn to cut fruits and veggies with small knives. They learn independence early and are quite self sufficient. Its unfortunate that in a regular house every thing is built for the adult in mind…but you can get switches, step stools and lower hooks and closet hardware so that the child can also do things in your house.

Our Montessori starts with kids 16 months to 2.5 years in the first level, 2.5 years to 4 years in the next level up to eighth grade. It is a quiet environment. During one observation I was actually encouraged when there was a substitute teacher present and the older kids actually misbehaved and were rowdy! (The regular teacher was out sick)

You cannot pop in and do an unscheduled observation at any other time of the day…those of us who were horribly curious staked out in the parking lot. LOL I did observe outings on the lawn where they circled, danced and sang, went for small hikes. Read out under the trees.

I was heart sick a good portion of the time. What I really needed to do was stay home with my 2 children until they are school aged. My daughter was in Montessori for 2 years, my son was there for 9 months. It concerned me about the drop offs…you are encouraged to open the door of your car and allow one of the teachers to take your child to their classroom…in a actuality they walk the child into the foyer to return for the next incoming child and then the first child eventually (depends on the child) will find their way to the classroom. I would park the car and walk my kids in and walk, hug and kiss my children good bye at their classroom hallway doors.

My daughter was potty trained by aged 2; completely immersed in the training with 9 other toddlers they learn very quickly about toilet training. Everything can be done at home; just these teachers sit with them and all day long guide them in the "work".

My daughter had a lot of night mares. Or would get in the car at 3pm and cry! What in heavens happened during those days? I would be told so & so had a good day; or today was a rough day…nothing more. To send my two children we were spending $4000. a month.

My children are very bright and I am sure they learned some things. But I also believe to my soul that they need their family and mother more before the age of 5. SO I quit my job, and am at home with them daily. Maybe we will try montessori when older if allowed.

I am told because they started in the system; they will be allowed back. I was also told that it has to be total immersion. They can't do Montessori two days a week. Half days are 8:30 to 11:30 and full days are 8:30 to 3:00. There is hardly any wait time in the classroom; unlike traditional classrooms. Each child is doing something. They are given a group instruction; and then set free to the materials at their level in a room. The classroom teacher decides who can stop taking naps (usually years 3.5 years or 4 years). To answer one of the questions…there is outdoor play 2 times a day…but there are rules there too. They cannot play with dirt; must stay clean. If there is roughhousing caught there will be timeouts, etc. I saw children play but not necessarily in friendly ways.

I teach a Montessori 3-6 Primary class.
I agree with some of this post. I will say that EACH SCHOOL/TEACHER IS DIFFERENT!

1) On muddy days, we go out to recess to play in the mud (within reason, of course.) I remind the kids to try and stay clean BUT also understand if they do get dirty.) I believe that the different kinds of weather (rain, snow, etcetera) lend themselves to stimulating, engaging group play.)
2) We are allowed to comfort children at my school.

To be continued.... (I am on my cell now/hard to type a lot.)

[Anonymous]

Interesting.
Our smiley kid can sit and do an activity at home for quite come time, so OK concentration for 18 mos old. Parents are both nerdy enough so are wondering if our kids' preschool experience should be more about navigating various social encounters, team activities/sports, play and learning about the world (local, global, systems) rather than the academics, which will come.
We went on a slew of tours as 3 montessori schools and 8 total preschools are near our house. Just not getting comfortable with the work-by-yourself all morning model. Kids get so serious and intense around here anyways, why start at age 2 or 3.
Also, any montessori grads do team sports and like it (baseball, basketball, fall, etc.)?

[Anonymous]

Wow...I am shocked about many of the negative comments towards Montessori. There are many different Montessori schools available - many of which do not do justice to the teachings and principles of Maria Montessori. I can not believe that in a structured and well prepared Montessori environmnet children would learn to be rude, as it is fundamentally against the teachings of Maria Montessori. In a proper Montessori setup, grace&courtesy is a vital part of daily life. We also visited many Montessori schools, but unfortunately, they were not what a true Montessori school should be like, so we opted to have our children at home. In our new city, the schools that claim to be Montessori are not - but that does not mean that Montessori is bad, far from it. The problem is, the Montessori name is not copyrighted and anybody can name their school a Montessori school. So, we end up with many schools using the Montessori name for economic reasons and not because they truly believe what Maria Montessori was about.
Let me give you and example, in one of the schools we visited the teachers had no Montessori training. They read a few books (if that) and watch a movie about Maria Montessori. The classroom was as colourful and plastic as any other kindergarten full of plastic, toys and pretend play and the children were still forced to have their "must have" afternoon nap.
If you want to see what a true Montessori school should look like watch the videos here:
http://montessoriguide.org/
If the school you are visiting does not look like this, then please do not waste your money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow...I am shocked about many of the negative comments towards Montessori. There are many different Montessori schools available - many of which do not do justice to the teachings and principles of Maria Montessori. I can not believe that in a structured and well prepared Montessori environmnet children would learn to be rude, as it is fundamentally against the teachings of Maria Montessori. In a proper Montessori setup, grace&courtesy is a vital part of daily life. We also visited many Montessori schools, but unfortunately, they were not what a true Montessori school should be like, so we opted to have our children at home. In our new city, the schools that claim to be Montessori are not - but that does not mean that Montessori is bad, far from it. The problem is, the Montessori name is not copyrighted and anybody can name their school a Montessori school. So, we end up with many schools using the Montessori name for economic reasons and not because they truly believe what Maria Montessori was about.
Let me give you and example, in one of the schools we visited the teachers had no Montessori training. They read a few books (if that) and watch a movie about Maria Montessori. The classroom was as colourful and plastic as any other kindergarten full of plastic, toys and pretend play and the children were still forced to have their "must have" afternoon nap.
If you want to see what a true Montessori school should look like watch the videos here:
http://montessoriguide.org/
If the school you are visiting does not look like this, then please do not waste your money.

This is the most typical of Montessori fans. The school you did not like must not be a "true" Montessori. Give the posters some credit that they know what a Montessori classroom looks like. Montessori schools are not for everyone.

[Anonymous]

Yes is typical: If someone doesn't like a Montessori program or method it must have been due to an encounter with a bad teacher or a not strict enough Montessori program.

Just do a tour, count how many smiles you see in each classroom. My spouse and I counted zero in the room with 2s and zero in the primary room.
Oh, but sitting by yourself with some beads is "joy."
We also left wondering how these people define success in life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:my experience with my children in Montessori is that the system seems to be a closed to the outsiders club…you have to wait till your child can actually talk before you learn about their day; what they did; what they mastered. Montessori does not send a paper home on what your child did. So go on the behavior of the child you get at the end of the day. They cannot really move to the next level until they mastered the items at the level presented to them. There are mixed ages because if a younger child is having difficulty with say shoe laces….or buttoning a shirt. An older child will step in and gently show them. There are 2 parental observations allowed in the classroom; parent goes and sits to watch their child "work" and the interactions of others. The newness of a parent in the room distracts the other children; they want to talk to you. I observed some children just walking the line…a circle line on the floor which they may walk to determine what it is they will do next. One child sort of commandeered my child on her mat, taking over…the teacher asked if I had any questions and I had asked about this little boy who took over on my child's mat….she told me he was guiding her…no I said…I observed him taking over…its all about a point of view in Montessori There are 2 teacher/parent meetings in the year. Very hard for the younger child to have you leave 30-minutes after your observation. They want you to stay. Which gave me a red flag of worry for TWO YEARS even thought I was told she was in a safe environment. My 3 year old would sob when I'd leave. My own mother would have gone back for her child. I listened to the teachers. There are 2 teachers to 24 students in a room. They do not hug or pick up to comfort a child, they pat their back. A parent is discouraged to stay long. In fact a parent is encouraged not to carry, hug or pick up a child because this harbors the child's budding independence.

I was constantly told the child's play IS their work with a gentle laugh. They fold laundry, wash the dish ware at the child sized sinks, clean off the tables, set the table for lunch, everything is miniaturized to the child's hand...wipe the leaves off of a dusty plant tedious yet detailed work with a cotton ball and a small bottle of water, window washing, washing clothes, folding laundry, floor mopping, table top scrubbing, dressing, undressing, shoe polish, cleaning one's shows pick the dirt debris out of the bottom of their shoes over a tray using a tooth pick and brush, scissor triangles and paste the triangular papers to a piece of cardboard. Spooning beans into a container, pouring water in a container; given just enough water that will fit in the container…if it spills in the tray that the station is on, child is taught to sponge up the excess and wring it back into the pitcher or original container that held the water. They learn to cut fruits and veggies with small knives. They learn independence early and are quite self sufficient. Its unfortunate that in a regular house every thing is built for the adult in mind…but you can get switches, step stools and lower hooks and closet hardware so that the child can also do things in your house.

Our Montessori starts with kids 16 months to 2.5 years in the first level, 2.5 years to 4 years in the next level up to eighth grade. It is a quiet environment. During one observation I was actually encouraged when there was a substitute teacher present and the older kids actually misbehaved and were rowdy! (The regular teacher was out sick)

You cannot pop in and do an unscheduled observation at any other time of the day…those of us who were horribly curious staked out in the parking lot. LOL I did observe outings on the lawn where they circled, danced and sang, went for small hikes. Read out under the trees.

I was heart sick a good portion of the time. What I really needed to do was stay home with my 2 children until they are school aged. My daughter was in Montessori for 2 years, my son was there for 9 months. It concerned me about the drop offs…you are encouraged to open the door of your car and allow one of the teachers to take your child to their classroom…in a actuality they walk the child into the foyer to return for the next incoming child and then the first child eventually (depends on the child) will find their way to the classroom. I would park the car and walk my kids in and walk, hug and kiss my children good bye at their classroom hallway doors.

My daughter was potty trained by aged 2; completely immersed in the training with 9 other toddlers they learn very quickly about toilet training. Everything can be done at home; just these teachers sit with them and all day long guide them in the "work".

My daughter had a lot of night mares. Or would get in the car at 3pm and cry! What in heavens happened during those days? I would be told so & so had a good day; or today was a rough day…nothing more. To send my two children we were spending $4000. a month.

My children are very bright and I am sure they learned some things. But I also believe to my soul that they need their family and mother more before the age of 5. SO I quit my job, and am at home with them daily. Maybe we will try montessori when older if allowed.

I am told because they started in the system; they will be allowed back. I was also told that it has to be total immersion. They can't do Montessori two days a week. Half days are 8:30 to 11:30 and full days are 8:30 to 3:00. There is hardly any wait time in the classroom; unlike traditional classrooms. Each child is doing something. They are given a group instruction; and then set free to the materials at their level in a room. The classroom teacher decides who can stop taking naps (usually years 3.5 years or 4 years). To answer one of the questions…there is outdoor play 2 times a day…but there are rules there too. They cannot play with dirt; must stay clean. If there is roughhousing caught there will be timeouts, etc. I saw children play but not necessarily in friendly ways.

This sounds like a credentialed, strict Monetessori program, which was not a good match for your children.
Please try Reggio, or waldorf or play-based.

My child liked doing the tasks, puzzles and manipulatives and would look up with a big smile at people when she finished one correctly. No one would care, no praise, no smile, no pat, nothing. Soon she stopped being visibly happy about doing things at home too. We were told "she is intrinsically happy and proud about her accomplishments." But her personality was getting so down we put her in a creative curriculum program that has much more social interaction, singing, dancing, group play and positive personality teachers, as well as the academics. We already know she can focus on things for an Hr or two so would rather work on other aspects than independent work study.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Interesting.
Our smiley kid can sit and do an activity at home for quite come time, so OK concentration for 18 mos old. Parents are both nerdy enough so are wondering if our kids' preschool experience should be more about navigating various social encounters, team activities/sports, play and learning about the world (local, global, systems) rather than the academics, which will come.
We went on a slew of tours as 3 montessori schools and 8 total preschools are near our house. Just not getting comfortable with the work-by-yourself all morning model. Kids get so serious and intense around here anyways, why start at age 2 or 3.
Also, any montessori grads do team sports and like it (baseball, basketball, fall, etc.)?

Both my kids are in a montessori school - DD is in a toddler class and DS is in his last year of primary (K year).
At our school, I see a bunch of happy, smiling kids when I visit. (Which is whenever I want, not just twice a year, although they do encourage you to visit at least twice a year) That said, the other Mont school in our area the kids really did seem serious and joyless. Both schools are AMI (so "Real" montessori) and yet the environment and overall feel was totally different. The material and set-ups were the same, but the teachers and school leadership absolutely make a difference - which is, of course, true of ANY educational philosophy.
As an example, when we visited the toddler class at the other school, one of the teachers "shushed" one of the kids when she came to talk to me. So not cool. Who "shushes" an 18 month old? The classroom was silent, which is weird when you have a room full of 1.5 - 2.5 year olds.
On the flip side, I recently observed my son's primary classroom. A few of the older students were working on "action verbs" (Note: Working together in a group of 3 kids. Some kids were doing work alone, most were working in pairs, and there was this group of 3) The kids would pick an action verb, read it, and do it. So they were crawling around the room, skipping, jumping, singing, etc. Evidently one of the cards was "greeting" (as in, greet someone) so they all used me as the target and I got lots of Hellos and Welcome to the class. At one point the teacher did calm them down when they were getting a little too loud and crazy, because they were starting to become a distraction to the other kids, but they just went back to using inside voices and carried on with the activity.
The point is, yes, I do think the method combined (even when practiced "correctly") with an overly strict and joyless teacher can lead to a joyless classroom. BUT... the method with a good teacher leads to a thriving, happy, amazing classroom.

As for sports... DS LOVES sports. His school has soccer after school every fall and spring, and he plays in that program, along with about 50 other kids from the school - so about 1/3 of the school. A few of his friends also just registered for a baseball team together for the spring. So yeah, lots of team sports, for those kids that like them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes is typical: If someone doesn't like a Montessori program or method it must have been due to an encounter with a bad teacher or a not strict enough Montessori program.

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But isn't that true of any program? Surely you can visit two public school classrooms, both with a fully-implemented common core curriculum, and one can be amazing, creative, happy, and awesome, and the other can be rows of silent "drill and kill" automatons.
A great teacher can make any program fantastic and a bad teacher can make any program terrible.

I think Montessori parents get very frustrated when people observe and instead of saying "it's not the right fit for my family" or "we didn't like this particular school", they instead say "we visited a place for half an hour and now know for sure that the whole philosophy is rubish"

We love our kids' Montessori school because we like the philosophy AND the teachers AND the administration AND the facility. We took all of that into account when chosing the school, just as I would hope parents would do when chosing any school, regardless of public or private, traditional or not.

[Anonymous]

The person you quote d was trying to say some parents don't like even a most well run Montessori school.