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DeeGee
Lv 6
DeeGee asked in Education & ReferencePreschool · 8 years ago

Is it possible montessori isn't for my child?

We had our son in a regular daycare from 3 months to nearly 4 years. Right before he turned 4, we switched him to a montessori school we had heard wonders about and knew it was time for him to move up to something more challenging and structured. He seemed to be doing fine for about 4 months, but within the past month we have been made aware of a lot of issues going on at the school.

We have met with the guides and with the director and are working on this as a team, however yesterday I went and did a class observation and saw some things that made me wonder if this is the correct school for him (too much working alone, not enough outdoor play, discipline is too mild, no deep connection between him and the guides).

Has anyone had the experience that montessori, as wonderful as so many say it is, turned out to NOT be the correct fit for your child?

One thing that really stood out is another child was crying for over 10 minutes and not one guide came over to him and tried to comfort him. They just ignored him. I believe this is the idea that "bad" behavior should be ignored, but really? Crying?

I'd appreciate any insight to others experiences with montessori. And yes, I know a lot about the philosophy, I just don't know if it is right for my son.

Thanks!

2 Answers

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  • lolo
    Lv 6
    8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Montessori, may not be for your child the teacher or instructor is a facilitator and the child chooses his activity the materials are there he has to use constructive thinking on how to put things together the child does the activity, it is less structured so many people want to see papers and copies of children writing lll-sss-eee etc. and not letting the child express themselves and think because they have did the dittos that they have learned. You have to look into the curriculum and see if the child can fit and if the curriculum is conducive for your child and what goals you have set for the child.

  • Poodie
    Lv 7
    8 years ago

    It is possible that Montessori may not be the best program for your child, but not necessarily because of the reasons you mentioned. In order to have a successful observation, it is necessary to know how a Montessori program works, and discuss your observations with the teachers at a neutral time. If you are used to a traditional school, you may be taken aback by some of the normal practices, but that doesn't mean they're inappropriate for your child or any other child.

    A parent may see a crying child and immediately run over to comfort him. A Montessori teacher, trained in careful observation, would most likely assess the situation to see if his or her help is really needed. They may have already spoken to the child. It may be a manipulative cry for attention. Montessori children are often encouraged to learn to self-soothe as the goal is independence. A child at this age is learning to calm himself down (perhaps by going to the peace corner). If the child is truly hurt or adult intervention is actually needed, it is generally given. Most likely this child has a history of crying because he doesn't get what he wants. Even for separation anxiety it is often recommended that the child self-soothe, knowing that the caregiver is there if needed,

    We are trained not to interfere unless a behavior is dangerous, disruptive, or destructive, While the behavior may have been disruptive, giving it attention would have most likely only encouraged it, and not allowed him the opportunity to be independent and work it out himself. Discipline works by attempting to instill self-discipline. Start with the least amount of interference and least to the most if the behavior progresses. Having an adult intervene or punish every little behavior does not teach discipline and self-reliance. It teaches timidity and adult-dependence, not what the leaders of tomorrow need. Most behaviors you will see in the average classroom (Montessori or otherwise) do not need our interference. When a child comes to me complaining about something another child did, I ask him what he did or plans to d about it. Usually, he can come up with an answer himself and resolve it. If necessary, I or my assistant will guide or mediate.

    As for working alone, that is most often the child's choice. He may work by himself (usually what the child wants so he can focus) or work with another child or small group quietly. At any time, he is free to ask a teacher for a lesson, watch another child work, or talk to a child who is not working.

    As for outdoor play, I make sure my students get at least an hour a day if the weather is good. If it isn't, we do yoga, play inside games or go to the gym. Keep in mind that the Montessori method is usually centered around a two-and-a half to three-hour work period. This allows the child to repeat his work if he feels the need, and become completely focused and engaged without interference because of specials or group lessons. Occasionally, the children are so focused that they have no desire to stop working, and I will not interrupt the. Sometimes they become very upset when interrupted.

    As for your child's connection with the teachers, it's hard to comment on without further explanation. A Montessori teacher must be able to multitask and give many different lessons to different students. She can't give an individual lesson to each child each day, but she should make a point of having a brief conversation with each child each day and asking him questions about what's going on in his life.

    Sometimes schools have policies about hugging students, and that may be the case in your child's school. What are the problems your son is having and what steps have been taken to resolve them? If, after meeting with the teachers and expressing your concerns and not getting satisfactory answers, you may consider another school. Some children need a more structured environment or even a smaller class, or more one-on-one time. Some children require a learning specialist. I don't know your child, so I can't say. I really think you should try to understand the method before you give up on it however. Any number of things could be the issue, including something completely unrelated to school. Take a look and see if there are any other changes that have occurred lately as well.

    In the meantime, I suggest that you observe other schools, check their credentials (including your own school), and speak to parents and teachers. You need to get a balanced perspective before you make a decision, and talk to your son. See what he thinks about school.

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