Montessori ?

[scarecrow22]

We are considering Montessori nursery for DD for year or two after she is 2.5y. I am attracted to much I read, but most of it so far has been from the Montessori movement, and one or two aspects raise questions. For example, what sort of impact does it have on discipline (in the broadest sense, not that I am a disciplinarian)?

I have made contact with the school and neighbours with links to it. In addition to this, though, I'd really value advice based on personal experience, and recommended reading - including guidance on how to possibly incorporate some of the ideas into our home life.

DD is nearly 20mo, a Dec baby.

I would spend some time at the school. I investigated a Montessori school for my ds and found they had some very peculiar interpretations of the Montessori system. For instance, they had a gate just inside the front entrance; parents were forbidden beyond this point, except on birthdays, as it was "the children's zone". Couldn't live with that, personally - damned if I was going to be excluded from my child's education. But nothing I've read in any other Montessori info suggests that's part of their normal approach. Have a good, close look at it, both with and without dc's, to see how you feel there. Don't make a decision in the abstract.

I also picked up a book called Child's Play that I found fun around the house.

hth

I think in terms of dicipline a good Montessori encourages self-control which is a good thing.

I have looked at quite a few nurseries and much prefered the Montessori ones. They do vary a lot though- some are just 'Montessori ethos' which could mean anything really. The one I have chosen is quite purist.

I also do some at home. It basically just means facilitating your child's opportunities for independence. I bought 'Montessori Play and Learn' by Lesley Britton and have found that very useful.

GoGB thanks for encouragement, and for book recommendation. I'd found others, but all with flakey reviews: this sounds just what I wanted.

phd good, wise advice: thanks. Your experience sounds odd, I'm with you there! From literature sounds serious about Montessori, but not purist. Plan to visit in October when new intake are settled and will keep an eye out ;)

More advice from other Montessori MNetters - or antis - v welcome. I'm really enjoying researching this.

We went to montessori (well DS did) and I think it really depends on the school itself as to culture and rules. Ours was set up by MM herself. We were encouraged to come into the class and go in to speak to the kids (what mummy does at work) and read with them.

The kids seem to do pretty much the same as in non-m - painting, garden time, playing with water/sand, reading/books, etc. The only difference was that there were more games and wooden toys (weights, globes, etc) and no plastic toys (bricks, dolls etc). The kids were taught to be more independent - so dressing, going to the loo, clean up after themselves, etc and be polite. Just like most other schools too! Discipline was there too - neither too strict nor wishy washy.

I liked it. He learned a lot and the teachers were lovely!

Frontpaw glad to hear they show an interest in what mummies do as well!

We had some corkers - 'I work in defence ministery for XX government' was the best. No she didn't really say that to the kids but that's what she did! Me: I play with a computer and boss people about.

I told my niece I write stories (I'm a journalist); she tells everyone I "make up stories" - much to the family's hilarity!

The Montessori system is massively into teaching children to respect each other, which tends to result in pretty good discipline. The teachers also don't talk down to the children, with similarly good results. They tend to see self-discipline as another skill to be learned, and teach it accordingly.

My twins went to a Montessori nursery ? I have nothing but praise for them and I will be sending DS3 there next year. They were extremely hot on encouraging independence. The thing I took away from it all was that the child chose what they wanted to do, sometimes with encouragement or guidance from the staff. They did have certain times when they did things like reading/gym/heuristic play but if a child didn't want to do it, that was allowed.

They were all taught early on about the cycle of activity ? ie choosing something, completing it and then putting it away when they had finished. They encouraged children to work at their own particular level. DTS2 who is pretty bright was reading at 3 and they sent reading books home and encouraged him to read words around the nursery. They also encouraged particular interests, so when they realised that he was interested in planets they brought out relevant materials for him to look at. DTS1 has ASD (diagnosed whilst he was there) and they couldn't have been more helpful. The SENCO went out of her way to introduce new strategies to help him and at one point changed the theme for the term to safety as he was something of an escapologist.

They had an open door policy and kept copious records. The staff-child ratio was higher than standard nurseries, which is partly why I was interested to begin with as I wanted more adult cover for DTS1 (although ultimately we got funding for a 1-1)

Vesela and Lou, thank you both for replies too. Particularly interesting about their ability (at least in your experience, Lou) to cope with a range of ability/needs/interests.

Anybody in my position - self educating! - might also be interested in free DVD you can order from the St Nicholas Montessori organisation (You can watch or order it here www.montessori.org.uk/what_is_montessori/watch_our_dvd). They also recommend books, free parenting courses in local (specific, not all) area.

Good luck

Our kids went to Montessori school from 4 to 11. The behaviour in the school is great (not fee paying if that's what you are thinking)
Both my kids have had areas they have struggled (English) but have raced ahead in maths due to the teaching methods. One of them had extra help in English, the other has caught up without help.
It's just seems a kinder, more child friendly aproach to schooling

Sounds wonderful, hopeforever - and thanks. I have become interested enough to be a bit disappointed none of the four Montessori primary state schools are near us. Though I have a few years ....

Great to hear such positive stories, and to hear from like-minded mums. A surprising array for family and friends look a bit dubious about it, though I suspect that is because they are not exactly sure what it is all about. We are giggling at idea of DD learning more confidence and independence - she is not lacking! But this really just reassures us that our instinct was right as we have (rather amateurishly!) built much of the ethos of Montessori into our approach already.

DD went to a Montessori for her last six months of preschool and loved it - she still talks about it five years on, and says she wished she had been there longer. It encouraged a lot of individual responsibility, and learning at the children's own pace. Parents certainly weren't excluded: I went in a couple of times to help with activities when they were learning about different countries etc.

I didn't know a huge amount about the Montessori system before she started there, it was just the nicest nursery I could find when we suddenly moved back to the UK, but if I had had another DC, I would definitely have sent them there for the whole two years of preschool.

DD goes to a Montessori nursery and will attend pre school there also.

Double and triple check they are a true Montessori place, anyone can claim to be. The key things to look out for are they recognised by or affiliated to a Montessori charity, do they have Montessori inspections (alongside Ofsted) and ask about Montessori specific activities (these can be quite different to other nurseries)

DD has thrived at her place, she is very respectful and her empathy levels are above her chronological age. She is independent and loves the Montessori work cycle, she's always they first to get the items out apparently.

Our nursery is fantastic about involving patents and runs coffee mornings and drop in sessions etc. It is attached to a private Montessori school so Autumn and Winter children are offered Reception in place of repeating pre school (perfect for DD as a September baby)

I also sent my DC to Montessori nursery and it's a God send. Normally a very shy child, DS1's confidence grew so much with them. All the kids are well behaved, even two friends who had rather hyper kids, told me how chilled they have been since going there. They work according to your needs, some of the older kids were even doing division, and by the time DS1 went to Reception he can write his (rather long) name, read a few short words, add and a little bit of multiplication. We made him stay an extra year it's so good. DC really enjoy going as well.