Thanks so much for your imput, I really appreciate it.
Next year DS is actually going to be in Kindergarten and they just phased out part time here, which means he will be in school full time 5 days a week. That was another reason why I thought it might help him ease into it a bit more.
I think my son would settle ok, last year we did strong start 3 days a week, drop in gymnastics one day, and library group (all free except gymnastics, and all play based, but all with me there as well) and he did well. I think it would be fine, my husband thinks it is too much but I obviously have to take what he thinks into consideration. He's a pretty social kid and loves being around other kids.
The reason he gets bored at home is I find it hard to keep two children of differnt ages busy. He wants to do one thing and then gets annoyed at me when she takes my attention away from him. Being with other kids means he doesn't mind that my attention is divided. Like I said he is very bright (started talking at 15 months) and he loved this montessori school.
Here in Melbourne most children go to kinder for 11+ hours a week and there is talk that these hours will increase. They are tired the first bit but usually settle in well and get used to the hours. When they are at school the hours are alot longer as it's 5 days.
Two days of 2.5 hours is not alot for them to cope with.
I think the thing you need to consider is how he will cope with the two different styles of learning and structure.
Is there any way you can try the extra day for a term to see how he goes?
Here our kids do 15hours of preschool from as early as 3.5. We do a couple of other activities and plenty of social stuff and it does wear them out but my DD is in her element.
My only worry would be the different styles as well.
Do you see him going to Montessori kinder next year?
If not, then I'm not sure I'd worry.
I think it is a great opportunity to try both of the styles out and see which one he seems to do better with. Once you are in with the Montessori then it will be easier to get another place if you want to drop the other school. I don't think the amount of time is too much.
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