Urgent Montessori question

[OnceInRoyalAlbertsCity]

I have a meeting at a Montesorri school for DS (5) in one hour and I don't really know anything about the method of teaching other than everyone saying it's very good. Can anyone urgently give me a briefing please?

child led normally, based on everyday skills, every child succeeds at some level of an activity
some Montesoris in the Uk are very strict discipline I have heard (my ds went in NZ)
so ask about that
otherwise general q's about how it differs from other schools and why is it better for your dd?
They won't expect you to know and will give you a pack explaining much.
Ds loved it and I am sure it is why he has excelled since leaving.

I don't know all that much but have read her books. Don;t know how to do links - but try these previous threads:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=43&threadid=83530

www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=43&threadid=961

www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=43&threadid=78988

HTH (and works)

I went to see a montessori nursery, but didn't like it, it was deathly quiet (even when full of children) and the staff seemed a bit "distant". we opted for a community nursery and are very pleased with it. don't make a decision on seeing just one setting, you really need something to compare with.

Montessori is a method, but (from what I know), anyone can say they're a Montessori school. DS1's school is Montessori-ish, but not strict.

For one thing, to be strict Montessori, they should be moving kids between classes when they are ready, as individuals, not moving whole classes at the end of the year.

Normally, it's very child-led. Lots of free time. Teachers don't tell kids what to work on, kids work on what they want to.

Brill thanks, I knew you'd help. I'm in Brazil actually but I guess it's more or less the same the world over. I'm off now to check it out!

DS has a Montessori childminder (she's going to turn herself into a nursery soon) and I can honestly say it's been a wonderful method for him. A really calm, supportive atmosphere, very child-centred, and he has learned loads all at his own pace. Do check that the teachers really are Montessori-qualified and aren't just using the name.