Montessori, Anyone?

[JellyBean]

Hiya,

I have just discovered that there is a Montessori K-12 school near us, and I am curious about finding out more from those who know more. I have a bit of an issue with the establishmentarian approach of mainstream schooling - but think that homeschooling may be too much of a leap for me.
I have read the montessori school mission statement and the basic philosophies they claim to have really resonate with me, but I would like a bit more info from Montessori parents out there (good or bad!).
Ie - What was it that made you decide this method of teaching was/wasn't for your kids,
and what impact (if any) do you think it has had on your child?
Are they expensive/hard to get into?

Would love to hear your experiences!

Thanks

[Lulu]

All I can say is you better book in NOW. You can change you mind later - alot of the time you must book your child in pre-conception to get a place.

Do check out other independent schools though. I thought I wanted Montessori or Steiner for DS, but I found a school with similar principles and other bits I like more than either of them.

There is a thread around here somewhere and there was HEAPS of info. Will see if I can find it.

[Lulu]

Sorry it was one on Steiner - but it's worth a looksee

https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...h-waldorf.html

[luna moth]

Ok, so I went to a Montessori school for some of my school years. I am now an Early Childhood Educator, so maybe not the opinion you want, but here goes:

I don't love Montessori. They have given the early childhood field a lot over the years, like child sized chairs, and puzzles with knobs on them, and sorting boxes, as a few examples. But all of those things are now mainstream and everyone does them. Similarly the fostering of independence. Yes, it's great that the Montessori movement started us all thinking about it, and I credit them for giving the field so much, but I feel that the best of Montessori is widely available in all schools now.
Seeing the way that the teachers teach, I don't agree with it. Every activity has a set method and a set outcome. If a child discovers that there's a different way to use a learning resource, they are corrected by the teacher; I feel that this squashes creativity and initiative.
The costs vary between individual providers, and they are fairly high, although not really higher than the average private school education. For me, if I were looking at spending that much, I'd rather it be on Steiner schooling.

That's my $0.02. Take it as you will...

[JellyBean]

Thanks Lulu and Audax! All opinions are welcome

[Indadhanu]

Have a read of this post. I don't have any time to reply right now but I can come back

https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...ontessori.html

[Baby14]

Oh thanks Jellybean! We have been discussing Montessori also, and would love to hear peoples experiences

[Lulu]

Seeing the way that the teachers teach, I don't agree with it. Every activity has a set method and a set outcome. If a child discovers that there's a different way to use a learning resource, they are corrected by the teacher; I feel that this squashes creativity and initiative.

That's what bothered me too actually. It seemed a little too 'prescriptive' iykwim? DS's school lets the students discover things for themselves - in fact the students lead alot of the learning as they meander their way through different subjects.
In some ways the philosophy is opposite to Montessori because they encourage students to work together on projects - you can pick up alot from how other people do/perceive things.
They have a big focus on responsibility though - if the students want to do something it is up to them to make it happen. It's amazing what those kids do.

[krysalyss]

Seeing the way that the teachers teach, I don't agree with it. Every activity has a set method and a set outcome. If a child discovers that there's a different way to use a learning resource, they are corrected by the teacher; I feel that this squashes creativity and initiative.

Thats interesting. DS (3) is at a Montessori preschool and I do love it where he is. But I hadn't felt that way about the actual exercises they do in the 'class time' (it is pretty relaxed though because they are only young) but I will have a little look and see how they handle it where he is.

[JellyBean]

Thanks for the link Leasha - that gives me a bit more scope. I will have to request a classroom viewing session to see for myself.