Montessori Nurseries - opinions/experiences please

[car25]

I know this subject has been done before, but I would like to know what type of child would benefit from a true Montessori type nursery.

I have been to see one which I am going back to see soon, however the thing that I noticed was there didn't seem to be any laughter, shrieking or having a great time.

I have a higly sensitive child. Will she thrive in this environment, or will the Montessori environment make it harder for her socially when she gets to school?

Thanks in advance

I think you already know the answer to this one

No, I honestly don't know the answer.

Maybe it would suit her in that they can use specific montessori equipment on their own and for however long they want to (within reason) without anyone else snatching it off them, also the quiet surroundings and there being no pressure into being made to do things (ie no hands clapping and having to move onto the next table with an activity she doesn't particulary want to do). But could this environment make her more socially withdrawn?

However on the other hand, with the high sensitivity in mind, is it just putting off the inevitable, and maybe a noisy pre-school environment is more realistic of what school will be like, however hard and difficult it is for her to settle at a setting like this.

Or maybe I should just keep her at home with me until she starts school, doing the usual groups and trips that we are now doing with me by her side?

We had dd1 at a montessori for a term - and while she went in willingly, it didn't seem much fun, not much laughter or play, similar to your impression.

DP stayed a couple of days initially to help dd1 settle in she witnessed a child getting told off for hugging another - "we don't do that at Montessori" was what they were told! It just seemed too joyless to us.

I think the point is that all Montessoris differ, and can apply the Montessori ethic to different degrees. I know many people with happy children who go to them, and the MN verdict is normally positive on them, but for us, the best thing we ever did was take dd1 out and put her in a different non-montessori nursery with more free play and interaction with other children, and she settled immediately.

Just my opinion! And as for suitability for your child - I think you've got to go by gut instinct, if you visit a nursery and it looks like the children are happy and having fun, that is the best yardstick IMO.

Good luck whatever you decide.

are you seriously saying that children in a non-montessori nursery are allowed to snatch things off each other, unchallenged? and moved around regardless of which activity they like doing?

my daughter doesnt go to a montessori school and she isnt forced to do anyything , she can use anything she wants for any legnth of time if she doesnt want to clap she doesnt have to !!! and she is in a free flow preschool so she can paint alll day or read all day what ever she wants !!
imo they seem like odd reasons to choose a school so things wont get snatched off her

no laughter, shrieking or having a great time?

i think this is maybe a problem with the particular nursery than montessori per se.

yeah i agree mazzystar thats a bit odd can a small child even hold a laugh in i know mine cant

My two went to a Montessori nursery, although I have a feeling they didn't keep to the ethos that tightly. They were both very happy there, and there seemed to be plenty of love and laughter going on. My only concern came a little later when ds started school and found it very difficult to do what he was told. The teacher did make a few comments about the Montessori methods. I'm not sure ds would have found it any easier/more difficult to do what he was told with a different style of nursery though (I suspect his wilfulness runs in the family!). I do think you have to go with your gut reaction on nurseries - ours was across the road from us so we saw many little ones running in and felt that was a good sign!

I visited our local Montessori today as I am in the throws of trying to find a pre-school. I was really shocked by it - the kids didn't seem happy, there was no laughter or fun. It's a choice for each individual but I couldn't use it. I didn't know how quick to get out of there.

ok i may seem stupid so please forgive me but could soemone explain the ethos of a montessori school in case i have it wrong please

easiest to just link you to the methods!

here