Montessori nursery - yes or no?

10 replies

Jagienka · 09/08/2005 13:26

I have an option to get my DS (2,5) to Montessori pre-school and I'm wondering what's the difference between a normal one and that method.

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Blu · 15/08/2005 13:01

Bump!

piffle · 15/08/2005 13:03

If I was closer to one I'd def take it, it is more children led learning and practical life skills focussed - it works on building up childrens self esteem but always being able to achieve something for their effort.
At least it was like that when ds went (in NZ)10 yrs ago, I have heard some rumours that it is a bit regimented in UK thopugh?
Go along to observe a session there and at another nursery and work it out from there

Pol25 · 20/08/2005 09:05

A boy I nannied for went to a montessori nursery and then on to a montessori school.
Their philosophy is to provide them with the tools to become independant and m,ake their own choices. Building them up with life skils and helping them make good choices for their development.
The nusery we went to certainly helped alot- they were very hot on reports and parents afternoons and nothing was too much trouble! Although it was a nursery with around 20 children and a lovely lady ran it.
It wasn't regiment the children would come in and know what they had to dfo and enjoyed it! The little boy I nannied for looked forward to having his turn wiping down the chairs and using the dustpan and brush- why couldn't he be that tidy at home?!

mumtosomeone · 20/08/2005 09:13

go and have a look!
I worked in one and tbh I think it was in name only!!!
I am not montessori trained and I dont think many other staff were..infact there was only one as far as I know!
Every room was as a normal nursery, the classroom for older children was supposed to be montessori, but I couldnt see the difference!!!
Imo a good pre school is fine.
It is important at 2.5 to learn social skills and learn how to play along side then with other children. Learning to be away from home and without mum etc.

Christie · 20/08/2005 22:09

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mumtosomeone · 21/08/2005 21:55

at the one I worked at we had snack time...all together!
Different nurseries have different ideas.
I like all together snack times so you can chat and socialise, plus you can moniter who eats and drinks!

dinny · 21/08/2005 22:05

depends on the nursery! dd went to a fab Montesori nursery and benefited enormously from the Montessori method. basically, it's child-led - they choose activities from the shelves/take turns to help serve snacks/heuristic play etc...

milward · 21/08/2005 22:21

My dd3 goes to a montessori nursery - they have montessori class equipment. So lots of pouring water, scooping up beads and stacking games & everyday they do cooking. She loves it. Everyday she brings in some fruit to share at snacktime. Lovely playarea. Montessori classes can be big with just one teacher - but dd3 school has 3 staff for one class. Expensive though.

Kaz33 · 21/08/2005 22:22

Strangely enough my DS1 went initially to a montessori nursery, he is quite slow in coming forward and I think he found the lack of structure a little difficult, he wanted to be told what to do more. Now at his present nursery they are much more "controlled" and he loves it. It could just be that he has grown up, or maybe he wasn't ready for taking that much responsibility.

mumtosomeone · 22/08/2005 08:16

the choice is really up to you! but I like a bit of free flow and a relaxed atmoshphere.
If you have a GOOD preschool near you they should offer..water, cooking, outdoorplay, independant play,group activities etc etc. For a lot less money.
My choice...preschool(playgroup) from 2.5 to 3.5 then preschool nursery for the year before school!

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