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Last year i asked the same question, and in the end I put DD in a mainstream childcare. When i went to visit the montessori centre near our house, i asked if their work was more play focused and she said "no, it was not based on play but learning"
When i went to visit their center, there was a sense of calm yes, but i felt that it was too regimented for me. Everything was in the right place, even the "messy" corner was not messy at all. All the pencils were aligned.
I must admit, there were some things i really liked about the center, how they focus on the practical skills, children being more self confident etc, but to me (and my opinion only) i wanted DD to enjoy her childhood and focus more on play.
Even now i am still two minds about it, ie should i let DD focus on play or more on academics (ie send her to montessori) but kids also learn from play.
I really do wish there was a center that was between what i felt was a regimented too structured montessori and mainstream play focused childcare center.
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I think that the different Montessori schools can differ quite a lot, from what I've read. DS gets bored at home with me and DS2 some afternoons - I'm so glad he has school each morning to keep him busy and his little mind ticking over. As for the play thing, DS has spent some mornings where he has done painting and chalkboarding for his whole 3 hours at school. It's just what he felt like doing that day, and to him, that's playing. He also loves puzzles and things and there are a lot of that sort of thing at his school. As for our DS2, we aren't sure whether he will be suited to Montessori just yet. We'll have to wait and see how his little personality develops :)
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:bump:
Thinking about DD1 and kindy for next year already :(
Would love to hear some more people's experiences with Montessori, I just found out there's one in our suburb.
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My cousin's 3 children all went to Montessori. They moved to another Melb suburb and changed to the local Montessori there, but cousin's DD was being bullied there and when Cousin went to the school to discuss it they didn't do anything. She ended up moving DD to local primary where she is happy now and I think all the children have been taken out of Montessori now and placed in local school. Cousin and her DH were Montessori fanatics before this so i think they have changed their tune after this, although I guess each school is different so maybe this wouldn't have happened if they didn't change to another suburb/ school. ( this story is second hand from my aunty so may not be completely accurate)
Cousins 3 children are all lovely children and have a lot of interests and I don't think its done them any harm, in fact I think it was good for them, they are very well rounded, intellegent kids.
I would consider it, I think it depends on the individual centre as as DIsGirl says.
