Anyone with shy/reserved children in a Montessori program?

[Anonymous]

If so, how do they do in the larger classroom where everything is so self-directed. Do these children just get lost and overlooked in a sea of 25-30 kids? We are debating between a Montessori school and a non-montessori school with much smaller class sizes. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Unless you want to prepare him for the kindergarten class size environment, I would put him in a smaller classroom size. My shy DS is in a 10 kid class size, and LOVES going to preschool. I do worry a bit that when he goes into kindergarten he might have a bit of a harder time adjusting to the larger class size, but for now I want him to be happy in his environment.

[Anonymous]

I'm about to throw my shy, reserved, only child into Montessori in the fall. My son's daycare/preschool environment is similar in ratio to Montessori (he has 20 kids in one room with two teachers). He was shy/withdrawn when he switched rooms each time to an older class with new kids and new teachers. It usually took him about a month to warm up to them, and then he was fine. I'm expecting something similar with the Montessori school. But I'm actually expecting it to be a bit easier because it's a more peaceful, organized environment.

[Anonymous]

As a former shy child and as a mom of 1, I'd go with the smaller play based program. It will be too easy for the child to be overwhelmed or to spend the day in activities, when it is beneficial to shy kids in particular to socialize at that age. Better a good experience and the confidece of making friends as a springboard to larger classes.

[Anonymous]

montessori classrooms do have bigger class sizes but i have found that it is usually a pretty calm environment...the kids are doing stuff, older kids help younger kids. my shy son has done really well in a montessori, probably more due to the excellent teachers who are great at not only giving montessori lessons but helping kids become independent social creatures. he's there all day and he spend more than 50% of his time playing, doing arts and music. there seems to be a mythology about montessori not nurturing the social, creative side of kids and of kids getting lost in big classrooms.

i would visit the class and see how you feel about it...so much depends on the teachers no matter what kind of preschool it is. my son was in a playbased program with 10 kids before montessori and i think he was overwhelmed by the rough-housing of the kids.

[Anonymous]

My child is too young for preschool so I can't speak for him, but I wanted to say that I was an EXTREMELY shy kid and my parents said Montessori was really good for me. I was shy, but I was also curious and could play by myself or with others (spent a lot of time in the "problem solving corner" with my BFF because we were both really stubborn!). If you like the Montessori philosophy for your child, then I wouldn't let the class size dictate your choice.

[Anonymous]

My two very shy children did great in a Montesorri classroom. The mixed ages and staying in the same class for 2-3 years was the perfect solution. They are much older now but have great memories about the peaceful classroom where they were able to bond with children that are still their lifelong friends.

[Anonymous]

i think the PP's point about staying in the same class for 2-3 years is a good one, especially for shy kids.