Are progressive schools good for sensitive kids

[Anonymous]

or is a school that is more "structured" a better bet? Thanks

[Anonymous]

Need more information to answer.

[Anonymous]

Our progressive school is very structured. Progressive is a pedagogy and does not suggest lack of structure.

Sensitive kids may need somewhere calm and supportive. Social and emotional environment may be different than teaching philosophy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our progressive school is very structured. Progressive is a pedagogy and does not suggest lack of structure.

Sensitive kids may need somewhere calm and supportive. Social and emotional environment may be different than teaching philosophy.

What school do you go to? You've described my ideal school, but the progressive schools I've seen have routines, certainly, but not a lot of structure (that is, the kids have a lot of freedom to decide what they should be doing).

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure what you mean by sensitive. Kids who have more trouble with transitions or figuring out on their own what they should be doing unless specifically told by a teacher (my kid!) have trouble with progressive schooling despite the existence of routines and schedules. My kid needed MORE routine and schedule than provided in that atmosphere. However, my child is not particularly sensitive (doesn't get feelings hurt easily or need extra social support.) I think that type of child needs a nurturing and smaller-sized community, but those features can be found at most privatate schools, not just progressive ones.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our progressive school is very structured. Progressive is a pedagogy and does not suggest lack of structure.

Sensitive kids may need somewhere calm and supportive. Social and emotional environment may be different than teaching philosophy.

This is a very rational post. When I look at schools I am always drawn to progressive education, but I've come to realize that my sensitive DC needs a calm, orderly, supportive environment more than anything. Some kids keep their center in the midst of "creative chaos," but mine doesn't. Calm and orderly environments can be found in both progressive and traditional schools, and so can chaotic ones. I have learned to look more for specific qualities and less for a pedagogical label or philosophy. (And then there is the question of which schools are truly progressive, but that's another discussion altogether.)

[Anonymous]

Our DC has expressed a definite preference toward more structure and somewhat more traditional. DC is sensitive and somewhat shy, and likes to know boundaries and expectations. DC found assignments at the progressive school she attended to be too open-ended and was often "stressed" about doing the right thing. DC also expressed wanting more direction from the teacher and less dependence on class participation. We are glad DC has experienced this and ultimately choose a HS based in best practices... some more progressive and others more traditional.