Normal kids must sit one way in preschool? Cross legs?

[Anonymous]

I recently began working as an assistant at a Montessori school and the other assistant spends most of the circle time pestering the kids to sit cross-legged. I feel like if they have other choices they may not squirm as much and move around. They also have to sit at the edge of the circle rug and it's too far from the teacher in my opinion. They can barely see the small books she's reading. I don't know if I should say anything. It all seems weird to me and then they wonder why the kids can't focus.

[Anonymous]

Please tell the other assistant to leave the children alone. Sitting cross-legged can be uncomfortable for young children because their legs may be rotated. They should have a few different options to choose from to sit comfortably.

[Anonymous]

If they're sitting w style, it is bad for their hips - she may be trying to correct that

[Anonymous]

It’s Montessori. They’ve got random rules that are enforced for the sake of fidelity to the methodology. If the lead teacher (guide) is actually Montessori certified, check with them to see if there’s a Montessori reason for those rules.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s Montessori. They’ve got random rules that are enforced for the sake of fidelity to the methodology. If the lead teacher (guide) is actually Montessori certified, check with them to see if there’s a Montessori reason for those rules.

+1. It is likely a Montessori thing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s Montessori. They’ve got random rules that are enforced for the sake of fidelity to the methodology. If the lead teacher (guide) is actually Montessori certified, check with them to see if there’s a Montessori reason for those rules.

+1. It is likely a Montessori thing.

Op here. I am going to ask today at the teacher in-service day but it seems weird to fixate on this one posture being the only way. It's distracting and can bring down their mood if someone is constantly picking at them. I whisper for them to stop talking or to sit down but I don't correct their posture if they aren't invading anyone's space. Some of the young 3s really can't sit that way. They cross one leg over a straight leg and they are still correcting that. I also wonder if it's cultural as the other assistant is Indian and the lead is Turkish. I never remember my training saying anything about this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s Montessori. They’ve got random rules that are enforced for the sake of fidelity to the methodology. If the lead teacher (guide) is actually Montessori certified, check with them to see if there’s a Montessori reason for those rules.

Op here the school is really Montessori. Even the assistants are trained. They are genuine about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If they're sitting w style, it is bad for their hips - she may be trying to correct that

i correct my toddler's W sitting all day long-- but not in any specific way- i just say " feet in front" and she moves them- hasn't mastered crossed legged yet and i don't care. the pediatrician said "mermaid style" is still better than " w"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If they're sitting w style, it is bad for their hips - she may be trying to correct that

i correct my toddler's W sitting all day long-- but not in any specific way- i just say " feet in front" and she moves them- hasn't mastered crossed legged yet and i don't care. the pediatrician said "mermaid style" is still better than " w"

Did ped check her for autism?

[Anonymous]

Maybe they can squeeze kids in closer if they are sitting the same way. If they are legs out front they might be more likely to kick their neighbor and will need more room in-between each other. Maybe there's a method to the madness.

[Anonymous]

You should actually teach the kids how to sit 6 different ways and do each for a few minutes.

Cross legged
W with butt on floor
On their knees
Squatted
90 degrees one way
90 degrees the other way

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should actually teach the kids how to sit 6 different ways and do each for a few minutes.

Cross legged
W with butt on floor
On their knees
Squatted
90 degrees one way
90 degrees the other way

Why would you need to teach this? Bizarre.

[Anonymous]

That’s super weird. At our preschool, it’s a huge mix of styles— cross legged, “mermaid,” sitting on knees, etc. As long as they’re paying attention, who cares how they’re sitting?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That’s super weird. At our preschool, it’s a huge mix of styles— cross legged, “mermaid,” sitting on knees, etc. As long as they’re paying attention, who cares how they’re sitting?

Because sitting in a w style has issues with hips and other physio problems and can also indicate autism. It is abnormal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s Montessori. They’ve got random rules that are enforced for the sake of fidelity to the methodology. If the lead teacher (guide) is actually Montessori certified, check with them to see if there’s a Montessori reason for those rules.

+1. It is likely a Montessori thing.

Op here. I am going to ask today at the teacher in-service day but it seems weird to fixate on this one posture being the only way. It's distracting and can bring down their mood if someone is constantly picking at them. I whisper for them to stop talking or to sit down but I don't correct their posture if they aren't invading anyone's space. Some of the young 3s really can't sit that way. They cross one leg over a straight leg and they are still correcting that. I also wonder if it's cultural as the other assistant is Indian and the lead is Turkish. I never remember my training saying anything about this.

Yeah I mean just imagine being in a meeting and someone is constantly sniping at you to sit exactly one way. It would be maddening.