Your thoughts on Montessori preschool..

[chickenandwhat]

So I looked around a Montessori preschool age 3-5 yesterday. I'm in two minds. I have seen a couple other mainstream preschools too in comparison. The Montessori seemed a lot more tidy and ordered, and the kids were getting on with things.

I worked in one and it was excellent. So quiet and calm with 40 kids. Emphasis on independence, grace and courtesy, skills for real life. I would use one if there were a good one nearby.

I went to a Montessori preschool and primary and both of my dc have gone to a Montessori style nursery. I think it’s wonderful. They are really keen on child led play and exploration and encouraging children to work independently to do things for themselves. It wasn’t until I had dc of my own that I realised that there were so many little things I learned during those years that I just assumed all children learned in school, that were actually because of Montessori. I think it’s excellent so I would jump at the chance assuming you are happy overall with what you saw there (staff, facilities, etc).

Ours isn't Montessori, but some of the people there have Montessori training and they do some of the things. I like it. We looked at a proper one initially, but it was very expensive. So if that's a concern for you, it might be worth looking out places that aren't doing it in an official way (eg., with the specific toys/tools etc.), but which have a bit of that ethos. Hope that's helpful and not just a ramble!

I am a Montessori elementary teacher and love 3-6. It's a wonderful foundation for children and Maria Montessori has some amazing insights. In elementary, you can really spot the children who haven't had the early years programme.

I think it sounds great and I'm disappointed that there isnt one locally to us :(

My older two went to one and it was lovely. My youngest went to a teeny tiny preschool (15 kids) and the manager was Montessori trained. Again, wonderful.

I think it may depend on the child. DD1 didn't go to the local Montessori as I didn't think it would suit her, she went to a more conventional playgroup. The younger ones all went through the Montessori playgroup and thoroughly enjoyed it. They're in their 20's now, and I don't think you can tell who went where (DD1 went to Oxford Uni, the others went to more local universities, all did well).

Yes the only issue is they make you pay for part of each session. So whilst you are getting your 15 free hours, you are subbing each session. So to go 3 days a week means paying £30. No lunch, bring your own.

It's fairly standard here in Ireland, even if it's not an official Montessori School most pre schools use a lot of the principles. My dc went to one and really enjoyed it. It gives a good foundation for school, ime, teaching the children some independence and confidence in their own skills. I know a Montessori teacher, however, who prefers more free play at times so she's very flexible with it.