What is so great about montessori?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wanted to like the few Montessori schools I looked at but I just didn't. My son has a great imagination and I know he would try to use the materials in ways that were not "appropriate." Each school told me that he would have to use the materials the way he was taught and nothing else. I didn't want him to be scolded for using his imagination so I sent him somewhere else.

Oh dear. Completely off-topic, but this makes me think of the sad song "Flowers are Red" by Harry Chapin. If you've never heard this song, just Google the lyrics.

[Anonymous]

It is very interesting to me that many people think little children should be free to be creative all day, but when they get older they send them to quite rigid elementary schools where they are taught to follow all the directions from the teacher and do worksheets with only one correct answer. Montessori is a lot about exploration and many have also added creative play components as well especially into their afternoon programs. There is a happy medium in between for both preschool and elementary school where our children can get a solid foundation of learning new skills and information but then also be given time for exploration and imagination. A lot of creativeness is new ideas built upon current knowlege and having courage and perseverance to work through these new ideas.

[Anonymous]

I wanted to like the few Montessori schools I looked at but I just didn't. My son has a great imagination and I know he would try to use the materials in ways that were not "appropriate." Each school told me that he would have to use the materials the way he was taught and nothing else. I didn't want him to be scolded for using his imagination so I sent him somewhere else.

If this is such a turnoff for you, what will you do when he enters public school?

[Anonymous]

This is an excellent video (basesd on Trevor Eissler's "Montessori Madness" book) that explains in 5 minutes why Montessori is so great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcgN0lEh5IA

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm curious. Behind how beyond not being able to follow all the directions of a traditional school setting? Also, I can't believe there were a lot of full day Montessori schools many years back. The schools may have changed some.

There is so much that is great about Montessori that a forum is the wrong place for it. Green Child Magazine just posted an article about finding a Montessori School that has some answers to questions on this forum. http://www.greenchildmagazine.com/finding-authentic-montessori-school/

Maria Montessori (creator of the Montessori Method) was born in 1870 in Italy and was a scientist. She was not a teacher originally. Her methods of teaching began with the (and I quote her biography) idiots ward in a hospital. After careful observation she began placing materials in the room to help the children grown in their development. This led to reading and math material, all designed after observing what children are naturally drawn to. Her "idiots" tested with the rest of Italy's school children and surpassed the normal children! This led her to believe that the traditional school system was actually holding the children back. For her discoveries she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize three times!

Montessori creates weirdos: well you are right it is weird to see a three year old spill water and go fetch a rag to wipe it up with without direction from an adult. Weird to see a class of 40 all working quietly on different activities with little direction from a teacher and when conflict arises the children solve it amongst themselves peacefully. Again with little or no direction from an adult. The Montessori Method allows children to grow into responsible, independent, respectful adults.

I love this Montessori website: www.ageofmontessori.org they have tons of free resources for parents and are well researched. Do a little background reading and visit a Montessori school before finalizing your opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I simply can't believe that Montessori children were very far behind in math. My child was just average or even behind others in the Montessori classroom and is now 2 years above what they are doing in public school easily. Math is not an area that most Montessori children are lacking in at least for preschool if they stay through kindergarten. It may not be the exact curriculum in which case there could be some small holes, but I think they would be quickly filled. Honestly the general public school math curriculum is borderline horrible and could really use more of Montessori's influence.

Even Montessori "hatred" tend to agree that the Montessori math materials are excellent. They are "copied" by other programs. I teach Montessori- fwiw. I also believe the philosophy is only as good as the teacher in the classroom!!!!!

[Anonymous]

*haters