Montessori education -- what are your thoughts?

[Tiger926]

I am sure you don't mean to but you seem to be implying that I am stupid. I would never sign my children up for somewhere and hope for the best without knowing everything there is to know about it. I was not confused. I am completely aware of activities that work with fine and gross motor skills. I have 4 children (with one on the way) and a college degree. I understand a lot more than you are implying. Again, I am sure you are not implying stupidity or ignorance but this type of approach is exactly what I am talking about. It is all about the "sale" of the school and insinuating that you are daft if you don't believe in the greatness of Montessori. Why not just say that your experience has been great there and you liked it because of X,Y,Z? Why go on about how people are "confused" because they don't think it so great?
I wish you the best.

Oh, my goodness, why would you think that? It's just that many parents I know count their 'research' as quick observation, reading an article or talking to others, so I always suggest when talking to parents, that if at all possible, they need to bring their kids with them and visit the school on a day when the kids can actually take part in classes on a trial basis. Just as justhat mentioned above - there are so many variables that go into whether or not an educational program is going to be successful for a child or not. You have made it very clear that you don't care for the Montessori philosophy at all, and that is fine. It is not my job to convince you - I was just responding to the very limited info you provided in your posts. It was very hard from your original post, which was very generalized to know how much you know about the Montessori experience. My DH didn't understand how it worked at first either - this is not to imply that he was stupid or ignorant, or that you are. I'm not sure why you would make that connection? If you feel that it is selling the Montessori philosophy, this is your deal, and not mine. As I have clearly explained, my wish is that all parents make the best educational choices for their kids, by researching, observing and attending the schools in question.

I am not sure how else I can better explain it - not sure how you are getting these particular things from my posts, but perhaps it's from other experiences you've had with Montessori parents, but I will apologize (not sure for what?) if I upset you in any way, as that was not my intention. All that is important is what you know and understand about the educational choices that you've made for your kids. If you and them are happy, that is what is most important. What I think is not important in this respect whatsoever.

Tiger

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Justthat- Yes. I look at accredited schools. I looked at more than one. I looked more than one year. I re-looked (is that even a word?) each time I had a child starting school. I don't understand why it is so hard for anyone to believe that not everyone feels that Montessori is the best ever. I in no way believe it prepares kids for the real world any better. The behaviors you decribed about yourself in K are extremely present in my children. It has nothing to do with Montessori. I as a parent have prepared my children in conjunction with their school. I personally don't care where anyone sends their kids. I have done MY research and was not impressed with Montessori. I personally did not care for it. The adults that I have spoken to that have gone to real Montessori schools said that it hindered them when transitioning. I even spoke to the parents of one adult and they said it was the worst decision they ever nade regarding their child's schooling. Just because there are actually people out there that don't like it doesn't mean they didn't research or the school wasn't accredited. It simply means that not everyone thinks it is great. Like everything- do your research and them make your decisions. That is what I did and I am very happy with my choice.

 

[yakkin' yeti]

Our son has been in Montessori since halfway through preschool-- he's in second grade now. For him, the traditional preschool was the disaster. (I relied on the opinion of a relative who was a teacher instead of my gut. Much sobbing ensued, and he was punished for stuff that was just nonsensical -- like waving a plastic asparagus spear in the air like a sword.) We pulled him a week after the Christmas break, and the difference in Montessori was just phenomenal.

I don't think that every child will necessarily thrive in Montessori, but for the ones who do, it's just so freeing. (And not having to sit at a desk all day was a huge plus for our squirmy boy.) A child being able to learn at his own pace just makes so much sense. (Yes, I've got one who's ahead of the curve, but there are also special needs students in his class who find that way of learning much less stressful. It definitely helps that they have a classroom assistant who is specially trained in teaching gifted and special needs children.)

The elementary covers topics that I didn't encounter until middle school. (biology, geometry, etc.) Our son was multiplying four digits by two digits in the first grade, and math isn't even his favorite subject. And they're actually learning cursive writing, which gets short shrift in our district. They also start learning Spanish in kindergarten, as opposed to middle school for the public school. Diversity is pretty good at his school -- it helps that they can offer some financial aid.

If you're interested in music, Montessori can give a child a real advantage. Because of all the hands-on manipulatives the method employs, the children's fine motor skills are noticeably advanced. For example, the preschoolers at our school start learning to play the recorder, which usually isn't introduced until third or fourth grade elsewhere.

I'm sorry if the gushing seems off-putting for those who didn't find Montessori a great fit for their child. I think it's one of those things that, if it clicks for a family, it REALLY clicks. So those of us who are excited about it get really excited.

I will say, whatever you choose, go with your gut. You know your own child best.

 

[justhat]

Justthat- Yes. I look at accredited schools. I looked at more than one. I looked more than one year. I re-looked (is that even a word?) each time I had a child starting school. I don't understand why it is so hard for anyone to believe that not everyone feels that Montessori is the best ever. I in no way believe it prepares kids for the real world any better. The behaviors you decribed about yourself in K are extremely present in my children. It has nothing to do with Montessori. I as a parent have prepared my children in conjunction with their school. I personally don't care where anyone sends their kids. I have done MY research and was not impressed with Montessori. I personally did not care for it. The adults that I have spoken to that have gone to real Montessori schools said that it hindered them when transitioning. I even spoke to the parents of one adult and they said it was the worst decision they ever nade regarding their child's schooling. Just because there are actually people out there that don't like it doesn't mean they didn't research or the school wasn't accredited. It simply means that not everyone thinks it is great. Like everything- do your research and them make your decisions. That is what I did and I am very happy with my choice.

Can I ask what you didn't like about the schools, specifically? I think that will help me understand your overall generalization that they aren't good programs. Also, do you mind sharing the schools or at least the area you looked in? It might help others (even me as we will be moving in the summer) in their school search.

I don't think they necessarily prepare kids better than a traditional school, I'm just saying that I think the structure of learning to budget your time, move from task to task without a bell telling you to move on, finish a project on your own by a deadline, etc. is all very practical life. It is pretty much what everyone needs to learn in college and ultimately in a job, so it is pretty good training. Again though, not like traditional schools are bad, and my kids will ultimately be in traditional schools as ours stops in 6th grade, but if we move out of state this summer, which is likely, it might even be 1st grade as I can't find a Montessori school (AMI) that is accredited beyond primary in our possible new location. So I certainly don't disapprove of traditional schools or think they are lacking. But by the same token, I do think that the Montessori structure is good preparation for the future.


The K behaviors I described of myself may seem common to you, however I had no siblings, your kids do. So while they are used to being around other kids constantly, helping them learn new things, etc., I was not. My daughter is pretty good at helping other kids but I don't know if that's cause she's a big sister or cause of the Montessori multi-age classroom. In my case, however, I only had the Montessori to base that on as I not only did not have siblings, other than preschool I was rarely around other kids remotely close to my age. My mother also got reports from K that I was very helpful with the other kids, which was apparently not common in my class.

 

[justhat]

Yakkin' Yeti - I have to say, the appeal for the squirmy, active boy was quite present with our son. We already knew he'd go to the same school as my daughter, but I can tell you it is great to have the flexibility his Montessori class offers because he is not the sit down all day kind of kid at all.

 

[JUJU814]

Every adult that I have known that has gone to a Montessorri school said it was the worst experience ever. They said it did not prepare them at all for the real world and they struggled trying to learn to work in the real world. These were all adults who went to different schools in different areas. I guess like everything it is good for some but not for all. I personally am not a fan of it. I would go look at the schools and be really honest with yourself as to what kind of child you have and if they really will thrive in that situation. Don't get sucked in because of the sales pitch. It is like any school, you have to do your research. Good luck!

Hmmm..that's interesting! Every adult that I have known that has gone to a Montessori school said it was the best experience they had, have very successful careers, and many have their own children enrolled in it now. We didn't get any sales pitch for our kids..we sought it out and did our own research. I think it absolutely prepares them for the real world..it lights a fire in them to learn to be *self motivated* and self driven. My children have even learned very practical life, real world skills at a very young age.

It's not for every child..that is for sure! But it's a fallacy that Montessori doesn't prepare the kids for the real world. My second grader is reading the unabridged "Hobbit", can do multiplication and knows more science related stuff than most adults, and can clean and do laundry..all because of his Montessori education.

One other point. One could argue that a traditional school does not at all prepare them for the real world. All subjects are separated, and they are segregated by age. Where in the real world is everything compartmentalized? When they go out into the real world in the workplace at the age of 21..are they going to be told "ok, you are up on the 4th floor with all the other 21 year olds"?

Just wanted to give another side of the coin pertaining to adults and whether or not they are prepared for the real world.

 

[Tiger926]

Hmmm..that's interesting! Every adult that I have known that has gone to a Montessori school said it was the best experience they had, have very successful careers, and many have their own children enrolled in it now. We didn't get any sales pitch for our kids..we sought it out and did our own research. I think it absolutely prepares them for the real world..it lights a fire in them to learn to be *self motivated* and self driven. My children have even learned very practical life, real world skills at a very young age.

It's not for every child..that is for sure! But it's a fallacy that Montessori doesn't prepare the kids for the real world. My second grader is reading the unabridged "Hobbit", can do multiplication and knows more science related stuff than most adults, and can clean and do laundry..all because of his Montessori education.

One other point. One could argue that a traditional school does not at all prepare them for the real world. All subjects are separated, and they are segregated by age. Where in the real world is everything compartmentalized? When they go out into the real world in the workplace at the age of 21..are they going to be told "ok, you are up on the 4th floor with all the other 21 year olds"?

Just wanted to give another side of the coin pertaining to adults and whether or not they are prepared for the real world.

Excellent post! From a psychoeducational standpoint, it is pretty much impossible for any children to not learn something from, and be prepared by practical life curriculum. Every single human being must know how to do some sort of practical life skills in order to function in the real world. Montessori education by its very nature, encourages this and makes it a priority, whereas most public school curriculum isn't about practical life at all (introduction in kindergarten, but it is more play based, and not real world centred - at least our curriculum is). Again, I'm not saying that Montessori is better for all kids, and if your kids do not attend Montessori, that they are at a disadvantage, just responding to the grave misconception that continues to be perpetuated that Montessori doesn't prepare kids for the real world.

As we have already established, a Montessori education is not for everyone, but, and here is what parents need to remember, there are many variables that go into whether it is a success or not. When I am helping parents make academic choices for their kids, or, when I am training and guiding teachers on how to teach, here is what we focus on:

1. Curriculum
2. How curriculum is delivered or presented
3. Structure of classroom/program
4. Personal teaching style/methods
5. Preparation for real world
6. Resources used
7. Accommodations present for exceptional children

When you break each of these down in an individual manner, this is where you will see concerns, regardless of what educational program you are researching.

For Montessori, it's usually self motivation, "Freedom Within Limits" and the untraditional structure of the classroom that is a problem for some kids, and for their parents. Just as reliance on traditional paper and pencil tasks, and sitting in a desk all day in public school is a problem for many kids. We have to watch how we use this info - it is valid on a case by case basis. Once we start generalizing that "Montessori is the worst program ever", or "Public school sucks", we are doing a disservice to the rest of the children for whom the programs work for.

I would bet my salary, training and education on the fact that Mouse House Mama's friends are the exception, rather than the rule. The Montessori program continues to thrive in so many countries around the world because it is based on preparing kids for the real world - it is one of the longest running educational programs for a reason. Saying in a generalized fashion that Montessori programs do not, can simply not be proven, nor is it truly understanding the philosophy and methodology of the proram.

It may not be a good fit for some kids, based on a combination of the factors and concerns that I listed above, and this is true. I have known a few kids for whom Montessori was not a good fit. Again, lots of variables present for those situations. Those of us who are in the education biz are used to stereotypes and misconceptions, but I worry about parents who hear sweeping statements that Montessori doesn't prepare for the real world, and it's a horrible program, as this is simply untrue from a psychoeducational standpoint. It may not be a good fit for all kids or even their parents, but accredited Montessori programs with highly educated and motivated teachers, do a better job of preparing kids for the real world in most cases (there are always exceptions in every situation). Whether parents are open minded to see this, or are understanding and accepting of the methods used to achieve this education, is another thread altogether!

This has been a great thread in which both sides of the argument have been presented. As someone who is extremely passionate about education, and learning, I have really enjoyed the info that has been shared in this thread. Hopefully, some of this info will help the OP in her decision.

Best of luck to all of you and your children in their educational pathways, whatever they may be!

Tiger

 

[princessmom29]

I am not taking a side for or against Montessori here. I have not done enough research to do so, but I think I am getting the disconnect between those for or against as far as preparing students for the real world. Form what I am reading Mont. students are given a choice as to what to do. In the real world your boss tells you what to do and that is what you do if you want to keep your job, and this is the problem I have seen in students that come out of our non-accredited Mont. program. I get "I don't want to do that" a lot. I also get children who cannot work on a deadline at all. They are used to doing things on their own time and rebel against the concept of a due date. They have difficulty staying on task long enough to make any real inroads into completing anything. I would think this would present serious difficulties i n the job world. A well run Mont. program would I hope do a better job of addressing this, but mabye that is what some of the others are getting at??

I think a large part of the problem may be that in many areas of the country, like mine, there are not accredited Mont. programs, and those that we have are flawed. The children we see come form these programs are NOT like the children you guys who are in accredited programs are describing. I never even considered the one pst preschool Mont. School within driving distance from me because without exception the children I have had who came from that program have had serious academic difficulties, and real trouble coping. I think those of us who have never seen a real mont. program done right have a negative view of the concept in gweneral because of the way we have seen it applied. I know this is true at least for me. I have never seen a mont. program that really works, just really,really broken ones. I really wish that non accredited programs could not carry the name.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

OP- good luck. I am sure that whatever you decide will be the right choice for your family. I understand the stress of trying to make sure your children get a good start to their educational career.
I cannot even bother responding anymore. Clearly the cult of Montessori cannot believe that someone can actually look at and research the program and not like it. From this thread there are some that simply cannot believe that there are people out there who do not agree with the philosophy of Montessori. So I wish you all the best in your choices and only hope that some of you open your minds a little more and not come across as so condescending to those that might make different choices than you based on their research.

 

[Tiger926]

OP- good luck. I am sure that whatever you decide will be the right choice for your family. I understand the stress of trying to make sure your children get a good start to their educational career.
I cannot even bother responding anymore. Clearly the cult of Montessori cannot believe that someone can actually look at and research the program and not like it. From this thread there are some that simply cannot believe that there are people out there who do not agree with the philosophy of Montessori. So I wish you all the best in your choices and only hope that some of you open your minds a little more and not come across as so condescending to those that might make different choices than you based on their research.

This is highly insulting to compare us to cult members. Wow...This is a discussion board in which people discuss different topics. If you feel insulted or condescended upon, that is your deal. Not once, despite your sweeping generalizations, did anyone insult you, or your choices. And, to say that we aren't open minded, is ridiculous since we probably are some of the most open-minded parents you will find since we've chosen an educational program for our children that goes against traditional views.

No one should take anything personally on an Internet message board as people are coming at you with a million different experiences and such, but when people start insulting others, it is unacceptable. The OP might feel as if she shouldn't have posted now, and that is not right. She, as all posters, should be able to freely discuss and share info without being blatantly insulted. That is so uncool...

Tiger

 

[Tiger926]

I am not taking a side for or against Montessori here. I have not done enough research to do so, but I think I am getting the disconnect between those for or against as far as preparing students for the real world. Form what I am reading Mont. students are given a choice as to what to do. In the real world your boss tells you what to do and that is what you do if you want to keep your job, and this is the problem I have seen in students that come out of our non-accredited Mont. program. I get "I don't want to do that" a lot. I also get children who cannot work on a deadline at all. They are used to doing things on their own time and rebel against the concept of a due date. They have difficulty staying on task long enough to make any real inroads into completing anything. I would think this would present serious difficulties i n the job world. A well run Mont. program would I hope do a better job of addressing this, but mabye that is what some of the others are getting at??

I think a large part of the problem may be that in many areas of the country, like mine, there are not accredited Mont. programs, and those that we have are flawed. The children we see come form these programs are NOT like the children you guys who are in accredited programs are describing. I never even considered the one pst preschool Mont. School within driving distance from me because without exception the children I have had who came from that program have had serious academic difficulties, and real trouble coping. I think those of us who have never seen a real mont. program done right have a negative view of the concept in gweneral because of the way we have seen it applied. I know this is true at least for me. I have never seen a mont. program that really works, just really,really broken ones. I really wish that non accredited programs could not carry the name.

This a great point and those in the accredited Montessori world are up against this each day. This is exactly what I was getting at in my last point - there are a million different variables as to why kids are successful in their educational programs, regardless of what they are. With Montessori though, there are such misconceptions and hatred towards it, and people then use these to draw conclusions about the program that just are not true.

This is exactly why those of us who are passionate about it, will at all costs, educate people on the Montessori philosophy. This way, parents can make informed decisions, whether that be public school, Montessori or other programs. Just like with most things in life, people seem to hold on to the negative and it clouds up the good that so many Montessori children have been fortunate to be a part of.

Tiger

 

[tinkmom2]

Both my kids are in Montessori school which is run by our Public school system. My oldest started out in K4 and is now in the 5th grade. The youngest is in K3 and just started this fall. We are lucky enough for this school to be our neighborhood school and is only a block away.
It is very different from a traditional school. My K3 child uses tactile sandpaper letters to help her to learn her letters. They also use number beads and chains to help learn numbers. Many things they do in class are task oriented and the Montessori way is to do things individually but they are also taught lessons as a class. The teacher will give a group lesson and then go around and show each child a skill.
Another thing is different is there is no homework. Occasionally my oldest is given a paper to write but is not required to bring text books home. She does bring worksheets on things she is needing extra help in. There are also requirements by our state that each child must meet in reading, writing, and math. Plus there are special accreditation that each teacher must receive.
The reason I chose this for my children is the hands on approach. Montessori encourages children to use their creativity. Both my children are growing into very happy individuals.

 

[emma'smom]

I wonder if the disconnect among different posters is different perceptions of what it means to be prepared for the "real world". In my position (as a college professor), my "boss" does not tell me what to do. I have a general job description (teaching, research, scholarship, collaboration and service to the college) that I am expected to fulfill. It's up to me to figure out to be effective in meeting all of these expectations. I may talk with my "boss" (the president of the college) maybe a a few times a semester and these conversations aren't about my job performance. Rather, they are about projects that I am a part of and we would be in a group that happens to be collaborating.

If one's perception of the "real world" is taking direction, completing a task, and waiting for the next directive---than the Montessori philosophy does not prepare one for this sort of "world". I guess (and I DO ADMIT THIS IS A BIAS), I'd like to to think that my dd's school is preparing them to BE THE BOSS and tell other's what to do (although I think I would like to rather think of it as facilitate the process of leading a group to completing their expected work projects successfully).

I am not taking a side for or against Montessori here. I have not done enough research to do so, but I think I am getting the disconnect between those for or against as far as preparing students for the real world. Form what I am reading Mont. students are given a choice as to what to do. In the real world your boss tells you what to do and that is what you do if you want to keep your job, and this is the problem I have seen in students that come out of our non-accredited Mont. program.

 

[emma'smom]

P.S Off to the "cult meeting"......oh wait, I mean the Montessori Open House today where our new school building is being dedicated!

 

[h518may]

To start with I think Montessori can be a great education. That said my son isn't the child for that program. We did all the research, visited the school, and then let our son visit. We thought the school would be great for him. He would be able to learn at his pace, work on fine motor skills, and only do half a day of K.

What we found was that our son didn't do well with staying on task. Always wanted to work with someone else. And the oddest comment I got from the teacher was that he wasn't using the supplies for there designated task. I thought that was being imaginative to find new uses for something.

Anyway we moved him at the end of the semester. Put him back in preschool. And this year put him in a public K, with a magnet program of performing arts. So now he is getting music, dance , and drama into his everyday learning. And with this he is thriving.

I just feel that everyone should look at how there child learns and there behaviors in a classroom.

I also have a daughter that I worry about school for. I don't think public school will give her what she needs, so in the very near future I will be deciding were to send her. She also will not do well with Montessori, she would never stay on task.

 

[justhat]

TinkMom, we're in DC, but in a neighboring MD suburb they have a public Montessori program that is great. Sounds a lot like your kids school. I wish we lived there cause I'd love for my kids to attend that school and save us the money! One of the toddler teachers at our school sent her 3 kids through that district and had wonderful experiences.

PrincessMom - What you described is, like the PP said, the huge battle accredited Montessori programs have to fight. It is really hard to know that there is a difference if you haven't seen a true Montessori program, and you're right, they shouldn't be able to call themselves that unless they are accredited. I think a big problem is that people want to start a Montessori program, but don't have/want to go through the additional years of training. So they think they have the concept down, but then in practice it works out to be 'unschooling' of sorts. Montessori kids do in fact have deadlines/timelines, it's just how they get there that is sort of up to them. I would think that might be a difference with untrained people who might try to make everything freeform.

MouseHouse - Like a PP said, it is very insulting to liken any sort of education supporters to a cult. If you'd be willing to share the reasons or the accredited schools you looked into, like I asked, I think that might be helpful as perhaps people might know about it, or at the very least can stay away from those schools. But without that info, it seems like you're making blanket statements about all programs, and I think that's what others (myself included) are trying to distinguish for those looking into the programs. It's easy to say Montessori is terrible, but without concrete examples of the things you didn't like, it's hard for anyone to understand, not to mention not particularly helpful to those trying to make decisions. H518May made some valid points about why it wasn't a good fit for her son, and that makes it very easy to understand where she's coming from. But I'm not getting that from you.

 

[princessmom29]

I wonder if the disconnect among different posters is different perceptions of what it means to be prepared for the "real world". In my position (as a college professor), my "boss" does not tell me what to do. I have a general job description (teaching, research, scholarship, collaboration and service to the college) that I am expected to fulfill. It's up to me to figure out to be effective in meeting all of these expectations. I may talk with my "boss" (the president of the college) maybe a a few times a semester and these conversations aren't about my job performance. Rather, they are about projects that I am a part of and we would be in a group that happens to be collaborating.

If one's perception of the "real world" is taking direction, completing a task, and waiting for the next directive---than the Montessori philosophy does not prepare one for this sort of "world". I guess (and I DO ADMIT THIS IS A BIAS), I'd like to to think that my dd's school is preparing them to BE THE BOSS and tell other's what to do (although I think I would like to rather think of it as facilitate the process of leading a group to completing their expected work projects successfully).

I am not taking a side for or against Montessori here. I have not done enough research to do so, but I think I am getting the disconnect between those for or against as far as preparing students for the real world. Form what I am reading Mont. students are given a choice as to what to do. In the real world your boss tells you what to do and that is what you do if you want to keep your job, and this is the problem I have seen in students that come out of our non-accredited Mont. program.

I guess do as you are told were the wrong words to use. How about "fulfill your responsibilities"? Utimately we all answer to someone, with varying degrees of autonomy in doing so. The bottom line is that we all have certian things that are required of us as a condition of employment, and choosing not to meet those requirments will almost always result in negative consequences for us. This was something that I saw students from the program in my area struggling with. They would tell the teacher that they were choosing not to do something and think that it ment they were no longer responsible for it. It would be like you telling your dean that you were choosing not to teach at all that you wanted to write a book instead. Ultimately you were hired to teach, and if you don't do it you will loose your job. Hopefully that better articulates the point i was trying for. It is nto really about donig what you are told so much as meeting expectations. The kids we got from the mont. program in our area had never been asked to meet someone else's expectations of them. They had always been allowed to set the expectations and change them at will.

 

[emma'smom]

That does make more sense.....

I wonder if the disconnect among different posters is different perceptions of what it means to be prepared for the "real world". In my position (as a college professor), my "boss" does not tell me what to do. I have a general job description (teaching, research, scholarship, collaboration and service to the college) that I am expected to fulfill. It's up to me to figure out to be effective in meeting all of these expectations. I may talk with my "boss" (the president of the college) maybe a a few times a semester and these conversations aren't about my job performance. Rather, they are about projects that I am a part of and we would be in a group that happens to be collaborating.

If one's perception of the "real world" is taking direction, completing a task, and waiting for the next directive---than the Montessori philosophy does not prepare one for this sort of "world". I guess (and I DO ADMIT THIS IS A BIAS), I'd like to to think that my dd's school is preparing them to BE THE BOSS and tell other's what to do (although I think I would like to rather think of it as facilitate the process of leading a group to completing their expected work projects successfully).




I guess do as you are told were the wrong words to use. How about "fulfill your responsibilities"? Utimately we all answer to someone, with varying degrees of autonomy in doing so. The bottom line is that we all have certian things that are required of us as a condition of employment, and choosing not to meet those requirments will almost always result in negative consequences for us. This was something that I saw students from the program in my area struggling with. They would tell the teacher that they were choosing not to do something and think that it ment they were no longer responsible for it. It would be like you telling your dean that you were choosing not to teach at all that you wanted to write a book instead. Ultimately you were hired to teach, and if you don't do it you will loose your job. Hopefully that better articulates the point i was trying for. It is nto really about donig what you are told so much as meeting expectations. The kids we got from the mont. program in our area had never been asked to meet someone else's expectations of them. They had always been allowed to set the expectations and change them at will.

 

[Kallista]

I agree with educating the whole child. I personally don't prefer the methods of Montessori.

A lot of people say "Montessori works well for every child, but not every parent."

This is why.

 

[clutter]

I was not allowed the choice of educating my child in Montessori.

None of our local accredited schools had before- or after-care. They specifically stated that it was best for the kids to have the shorter day. So they excluded a single parent with a commute with their 9-3 hours. So, at least in my area, Montessori would only work well for every child with a stay at home parent. Single parent children need not bother.