Montessori nursery - experiences?

[wolfear]

I'm looking at enrolling DS in a local Monetssori nursery for two days a week - he's 23 months and with a CM at the moment but I really think he's needs more stimulation.

What sorts of experiences of Montessori nurseries/schools have my fellow MNetters had?

my DD went to a very small Montessori nursery for 4 terms before starting school. It was very calm, the children seemed to know exactly what was required of them, and she learned a huge amount before starting school.

I think it suited her, because she's quite a reserved, contained sort of a child in some ways.

However, I can't say I was blown away by how exciting the toys and activities were. My DD is quite keen to please and keen to do things that are clearly learning activities. My DS2, for instance, would have probably kicked over the lovely unvarnished wooden blocks and run away shouting.

I think a lot of the positives in that nursery came from a very good group leader, and the fact that they had 2 staff to 8 children.

Both my boys go to a local community preschool. It's a lot bigger and noisier and more chaotic, but in terms of the quality of care, and range of stimulating things that they do, I'd rate it just as highly.

I think I'd go and look at a couple of places and see which you like best, which staff seem the best with the children, what they do with them etc and make a decision based on that rather than the educational philosophy they follow.

Similar to Misshardbroom. DD2's Montessori nursery has a very calm atmosphere and they are very good on small scale activities at tables, craft activities, stories, songs etc. The teachers talk to the children nicely and respect their views. They've taught DD a lot about sharing, taking turns, concentrating on a task etc. She's enjoyed nursery and seems ready to move onto school, despite being an August baby.

But in contrast, my friend's son has never settled there and they've taken him out. He's very lively, finds it hard to concentrate and never got on with the activities. Not enough large scale, running-around-like-loons type activities and not enough straightforward toys. And the teachers seemed to be continually on his case about potential special needs (parents have had him assessed and been advised that his development is quite within the normal range for a lively three year old boy).

So what am I saying? Don't get too bowled over by the philosophy. Visit (with DS if poss) and think about whether you think he will be happy there. If he's ultra lively and boisterous, think quite carefully and ask pertinent questions about how they cater for little boys with lots of energy! But if you think he'll like it, go for it.

Montessori is a great way of teaching (I have a Montessori diploma but now work as a nursery manager in an ordinary pre-school). It does lead to a calm classroom where the children are very much responsible for their own actions and material. The material itself is very touchy feely and allows the children to learn things in a concrete way before moving onto abstract concepts. My experence is that the children really enjoy the activities but the Montessori I learned at and my children went to had a huge variety of practical life material which the children loved to play with as well as train sets, animals, book corner and outside play space available all the time (& it was in Singapore).

dd2 went to a montessori for 2 terms prior to preschool and I didn't find it any better in terms of 'stimulating' her or having more interesting resources. So much of this is down to the nursery leaders and they, quite frankly, were awful. Her state preschool is miles ahead.

any good setting will have a calm atmosphere with plenty of activities on offer where the children can pick and choose from themselves.

dd2 went to a montessori for 2 terms prior to preschool and I didn't find it any better in terms of 'stimulating' her or having more interesting resources. So much of this is down to the nursery leaders and they, quite frankly, were awful. Her state preschool is miles ahead.

any good setting will have a calm atmosphere with plenty of activities on offer where the children can pick and choose from themselves.

dd2 went to a montessori for 2 terms prior to preschool and I didn't find it any better in terms of 'stimulating' her or having more interesting resources. So much of this is down to the nursery leaders and they, quite frankly, were awful. Her state preschool is miles ahead.

any good setting will have a calm atmosphere with plenty of activities on offer where the children can pick and choose from themselves.

dd2 went to a montessori for 2 terms prior to preschool and I didn't find it any better in terms of 'stimulating' her or having more interesting resources. So much of this is down to the nursery leaders and they, quite frankly, were awful. Her state preschool is miles ahead.

any good setting will have a calm atmosphere with plenty of activities on offer where the children can pick and choose from themselves.