OT-anyone a Montessori parent?

[minnie1928]

I'm considering sending my DS(7) to a Montessori school. Has anyone had experience with Montessori? If so, could you tell me the pros/cons?

Thanks!

 

[bellarella]

My DDs have gone to Montessori for pre-primary and I really like the approach. Since we live in the "best" school district in the state, I couldn't justify the cost of private school beyond the preschool years, but would have if money were no object.

The big thing with Montessori is finding a good school with teachers that are properly trained. Unfortunately, since Montessori has become "trendy" and the name is in the public domain, any school can call itself Montessori. This has created a lot of confusion about what Montessori is. I've heard everything from it being wild and anything goes to ultra disciplined and pushing academics down kids throats. Neither would be true of a good Montessori school.

There are several core differences between Montessori and traditional classrooms. First, Montessori classrooms are multi-age. Generally it is 3-5; 1st-3rd; 4-6th. I find this to be a great benefit because there is continuity in the child's teacher and peers from year to year. It also keeps the class from "losing" the first month or so of school to figuring out the rules, etc. because every year 2/3 of the class already knows what's going on and the youngest students just entering naturally look to the older ones to model their behavior. Multi-age classrooms are also great for allowing kids to work at their own pace without getting tracked or labeled. It's just fine for a child to be doing "5th grade" reading work and "1st grade" math work when they are technically in second grade. Teachers should allow a child as much time as they need to master a skill and also keep presenting them with new material as they do, which means you should never run into a "sorry, our time for learning fractions is up, we're going to move on to place values now" or "yes, I know you've know everything in this text book, but you need to wait until next year before you move on" scenarios.

Montessori classes are also very holistic in how they approach learning skills. I'm not as familiar with the primary school education, but I do know that often they teach skills as part of larger projects. Rather than having strict math, reading, social studies, etc. units, there might be a unit on ancient Rome, where children work on geography, art, music, reading, and math as it relates to the topic. To me this makes learning much more interesting and relevant to kids and the skills they learn "stick" better because they are applied rather than just abstract.

Classrooms are generally self directed, which means that largely the child gets to choose what they want to work on. Here is where a lot of misconceptions about Montessori come in, and where the program can totally fall apart if the teachers aren't properly trained. A properly set up classroom will ensure that all of the choices the child has are learning opportunities. Nothing in a Montessori classroom won't have a specific purpose and teach multiple skills (even if the kids don't realize it). The classroom should also have defined spaces for the children to work (rugs, small tables and chairs, etc.) and every object or station should have a place where it can always be found and always returned. Also, the teachers need to be trained to observe the children and always know where they are in skill levels so that they can help them with new work and encourage them to move on to different areas if they are stagnating.

The biggest down sides I've heard to Montessori education is that the kids get used to having a great deal of freedom in the classroom (not to be confused with running wild, because the kids get to choose their work and define their own space you will generally find Montessori classes to be quieter and more orderly than normal ones). This can cause problems for some students when they move on to regular classrooms where things follow specific schedules. Another criticism I have heard is that students in Montessori classes tend to be academically ahead vs. the curriculum in traditional schools. I believe that this tends to be more acute in the lower grades, and as the kids get older the curve levels out.

The one obstacle I would see with your DS is that he doesn't have previous experience in Montessori. It can be hard to find a space in a program if you aren't entering either at the beginning of a cycle (age 6) or have gone through Montessori in the past.

The other "down side" I see is that you have to be OK with the idea that there generally aren't pre-determined milestones for measuring your child's progress. It is considered OK and favorable in a Montessori program for a child to choose to work on reading skills and ignore math for weeks at a time. They look at year long goals to be met and don't worry so much that they get equal parts of math/science/reading/etc. each day.

I don't think Montessori is a great fit for every type of child, but I do think the approach and philosophy mets the natural learning style of many children. Like any school program, look at the teachers, the facility, and your child and see if you think it is a good match for you.

Good luck!

 

[tmarquez]

After moving to new area, and not being able to find a clean, decent preschool for my DD (2 at the time, 3 now) we decided to enroll her in montessori.

They group kids together by age 2 1/2 to 5 and then 6 and up (our montessori goes to 5th grade). She loves it there. I think it's great for the younger set, but I think that they eventually need to move on to public school before the adjustment will be really difficult...unless you're planning on sticking to private school for the long run. I also think it would be good for an older child that needs extra academic attention, or has social problems like getting picked on or teased (it's amazing to me how little of this goes on in that envorment as compared to public school). For us I think the transition will probably be 2nd grade.

They teach them all the regular school subjects, but they let them go at their own speed (most kids there are studying above grade level, and the ones that are not are getting extra help and individual attention from the teachers) and they let them concentrate on the subjects that interest them most while still giving them the basics in the rest.

The older kids still get homework like at a public school, but the expectation for parents to be involved and helping is MUCH higher. They go on some really cool field trips (parents are encouraged to attend too). They are all taught other skills as well...like manners, etiquette, music, culture, cooking, nutrition. They also have physical education everyday, I think most public schools are down to once a week if you're lucky.

It's funny but by writing this I'm starting to convince myself that maybe DD should attend as long as she can!

If you have any questions let me know and I wll try to get you the info.

 

[pattyT]

my DD went for a year and a half of preschool -
then we switched to a catholic school.

she "learned a lot" there but it was rope memorization (I mean how many 3 year olds can tell you all the continents!)

and when she was 'distracted' they would have her wash laundry and polish silver . and DD was easily distracted so that is what she spent a lot of time doing!
she is borderline ADD so my account may not be a great one to go by...

I think it really depends on your childs personallity (oh and by 5 she couldn't remember the continents anymore!)

 

[Caradana]

I flunked out of Montessori preschool in two weeks. I am told that I spent all day long cowering in the corner, afraid of the school dog, and floundering with zero structure. I also remember that the teachers were really sweet, though. I hear the method works like a charm for free-spirited kids, but if yours is one of those who likes consistency in the day, it might not be the right spot.

 

[TnKrBeLlA012]

Both my girls went to a Montessori school. They stayed there until the 6th grade. I then sent them to a private school. When my oldest went for her first day of 7th grade the teacher asked me what school she came from. I was proud to say a Montessori school. They then informed me she was a little behind. I was very shocked. I spent alot of money to give her this great start and I was told she was behind? The best education she did receive was from the Catholic School I sent her to. Even she said she learned so much more there. I think if you have a smart child they will do well at any school you send them. My friend's son went all 12years to a public school. He now is in college. He graduated top of his class and is going to be a doctor. He is the most brightest teenager I have seen in a long time. What matters most is how you raise them and how involved you are in their life. People now are into names. They think if they spend thousands of dollars on a preschool they will turn out some brilliant kid. Not the case at all.

 

[bunny]

My son is in first grade and has attended the same school since he was three. He is very advanced for his age. He is truly excelling at school. I think if you have a child that is gifted the Montessori education is excellent. He is able to learn at his own pace. I don't think public schools are equipped to handle this type of student. He is working on a third or fourth grade level. And he is never bored. The only thing I worry about is that he will be ahead when he transitions to a different school. I know, though, at his school it is not possible to begin after kindergarten.

 

[momof2inPA]

Our local Montessori's are more expensive but don't have the greatest reputation with the moms. One mom said her daughter took naps at school until she pulled her out.

 

[jgmklmhem]

My mother who has taught elementary school for now over 30 or so years has had the most problems with kids from these schools coming in to the public school setting and having a hard time adjusting to that type of system versus the pre-school one. Now it may just be the ones where she lives but she strongly cautioned us about putting our daughter in this type of school

 

[ChrisnSteph]

My mother who has taught elementary school for now over 30 or so years has had the most problems with kids from these schools coming in to the public school setting and having a hard time adjusting to that type of system versus the pre-school one. Now it may just be the ones where she lives but she strongly cautioned us about putting our daughter in this type of school

We are looking at preschools for our youngest son, and I've heard this same thing from other parents, including a teacher. I always thought they were "the" school to put your kids in, but now I don't know....

 

[hookedondizney]

I have a 6 yr old daughter that attended a montessori school since the age of 2.5. I decided that she would attend the local public school because for one, it had a great reputation and two it was costing a fortune (6,500 per school year per child). I really feel that this type of education was wonderful for my daughter. She learned a lot of different types of things that she would have never if she were in a preschool. For example polishing (as mentioned above). She really enjoyed doing this because she wouldn't have normally gotten the chance do do something like this. She also learned how to sew. She spent about 1-2 mths sewing her little heart out. The school has so many things that teach them the "hands on" approach. The things that she made were very nice...I even framed them they were so good. She learned all the states and to this day still knows them. I don't even know them all!!! At the end of the school year she pin punched (instead of cutting out they use a needle and go around the dotted line and it eventually cuts it out) out every state and glued it all onto a poster paper making a large map out of the cut outs. WOW! it was also labeled with every state too! I really feel that she got a great education, but on the other hand now that she is finally transitioned into the public school I feel very confident in her education as well. I believe she has gotten a great foundation from the montessori school especially with the phonics system that they teach. I have a 3 yr old son that attended the montessori school last year. He enjoyed his time there (I love the way they talk to the children...on their level and how they would redirect them) as well but he was too young to learn all of the montessori concepts. He is now at a local church preschool program and doing great! He has no trouble with transitions so I am not worried about him and his education. But, I have to say that it was such a struggle within myself to say "we are going to public schools." Now that I am able to look back at the last 5 mths that my daughter has been in the public school environment she has really enjoyed it. It was hard at first because here she was at 6 years old and had never rode on a school bus, never eaten in a lunch room, never changed classrooms to go to music, art, P.E., computer lab. She looks forward to each day because she knows there is something different. (funny stories: the first day of computer lab she came home and insisted she did not like it and didn't want to go back. I couldn't imagine why because she loves to play on the computer at home. I was talking to the teacher and it turns out the they have to wear the headphones during class. I asked my daughter about the headphones and if she liked wearing them and that is the whole reason she would sit there and not participate. She is over that fear of wearing the "ear muffs" and participates now! I feel bad that she wasn't exposed to little things like that at the montessori school but she is young and will catch on. Also, in the montessori environment they all eat lunch in the classroom together and it is very quiet. In a public school they have many kids in the lunch room and it is very loud as we all know. Well, I have always packed her lunch and entire first week of school she did not even open her lunch box!!!!!!!!She told me that it was "too loud" to eat. Since then she has gotten over it! But still refuses to eat school food. HUMMMM............wonder why?

Good luck on your decision, I know it is a hard one. It was hard for me as well both ways. But, you know your child the best. If it dosen't work out at least there are other schools to choose from...... that is what makes our country so wonderful!
Hookedondizney

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

My mother who has taught elementary school for now over 30 or so years has had the most problems with kids from these schools coming in to the public school setting and having a hard time adjusting to that type of system versus the pre-school one. Now it may just be the ones where she lives but she strongly cautioned us about putting our daughter in this type of school

I taught public 2nd grade and it was a difficult transition for my Montessori students. Most parents that observed me teaching couldn't get over how much was accomplished in one day in public school. I ran my classroom with a lot of organization and structure. The hardest part for these children was sitting still doing paper and pencil assignments. I didn't care if they had their bottoms in the air as long as they were at their desk. I also had times where they could go find a comfortable spot in the room to work or read.

Lori

 

[barkley]

i studied both the montessori and piagetian methods in college ece classes, and while i was not fond of the montessori system i thought i would try it out for our son (3 at the time).

i was not impressed. the children would get bored trying to master a task and as long as they left their "area" picked up they could go on to another task, some kids went through task after task never mastering any. because they will allow a child to focus on a particular task and not require a minimum amount of time working on others, there were students who excelled at small motor skills (mostly arts and sewing) but could'nt read or write. i also did not care for all of the rote memorization-the students could name all of the states and capitals but had no concept of what a state or capital was.

i've seen many of these students struggle when they enter a non montesori school (private and public). they are not equiped to deal with structure and set mechanisms for learning (i've heard a child complain that they want to learn it "their way" vs. the teacher's way), they can also become upset because they are required to study a specific unit of learning while they desire to pursue their own interests.

i would be interested to see how montesori kids test out on standardized testing (i don't recall the school my son attended doing this for their older students-up to 6th grade), i would wonder if in the lower grades they do better (having the older students working with them and absorbing higher level concepts) than the upper (if you have students leading students in learning then the highest you will achieve is the top students knowledge base).

my kids now attend a non traditional (in that it's a 2 room school house) private school. the grades are broken up from k-2 and 3-8. i've found that it's worked realy well in that the younger kids while progressing through learning concepts are constantly exposed to the youngest learning the basic skills (it's been great reinforcement), and the older students have the advantage of hearing the oldest learn about the same concepts they are but from a much more expanded perspective (they may all study world history, but the oldest students may be discussing economic trends, social chages...)-it's been fascinating to see my daughter expand her way of thinking (she will come home after a class discussion and say "you now mom, we 5th graders were study about x in world history, but the 7th graders were talking about y-it got me thinking that this must happen next in what we're studying to cause that to happen".

overall i think you need to find the best "fit" for your child-don't feel discouraged if one or two or three different schools don't feel right, it's better to take the time now to find out how he learns so you can make the best choices for him in the future.

 

[LisaR]

The best advice I can give is to research the school you are interested in. All Montessori schools are NOT the same. I learned that from experience.

Lisa

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I babysit for a boy who went to a Montessori preschool for three years. When he graduated at age 5, he could not recognize most of his letters, numbers, or even write his name! Apparently, the school lets the child pick their activities, and basic number/letter recognition is not encouraged or taught. I used to work in a church-based preschool, and teaching the 4 year olds their numbers, letters, and of course writing their name is absolutely essential!!

So that summer before he started public school Kindergarten, me and his parents desperately tried to "catch him up" - I remember trying to get him to know what the letter A was, as he did not know! He could not hold a pencil and write ANY letters, let alone his name. His parents wished they knew sooner that he was behind so they could have tried to teach him at home! But the good news is that he caught up in kindergarten, learned to read in 1st grade, and is doing fine in 3rd grade now.

Of course, I also know some kids who did great at Montessori schools. I guess it depends on the child and if it's a good match for the child. I just know that around my area, parents buy into the reputation of Montessori as "superior" and don't really check if their particular child would do well or not.