Preschool Suggestions for My 2 1/2 Year Old, Montessori Vs. Traditional

P.,

It is definately to early to be worried about it! I have an 8 yr old. and 4 yr old. My youngest has learned so much from her sister! She can even operate the computer, play video games and work the vcr/dvd player in our car! She just turned 4 in July. I feel they learn as they grow no matter where you put them. Just let them be a kid as long as possible.Enjoy playing! The structure of school comes soon enough as it is. They are making them learn so much in school these days!
M.

My daughter just started Montessori, and she is 5. I had the same concerns, but I am comforted that the program she is in is in the public school system. To me, this means the public (traditional) schools are so in tune with the Montessori program that they already know how to adapt the children coming out of Montessori. They learn the same things, just through a different methodology. What I like about Montessori is it nurtures the child's thirst for learning. That's something that is sorely missing in traditional education for the most part. It also encourages individuality. So far she has done great and is even speaking up for herself more, an area she had a problem with before.

If you can afford the montessori, you should go for it. I had always planned to do this for our son, but cash is tight right now. I have a girlfriend that has put both her girls through Montessori programs, she did warn that not all schools claiming to be Montessori were truely so. You should check with you state to ensure the programs you will be paying for are truely Montessori. Good luck, you will be so happy you have done this for your son!

Hi
I can say that as a mom and former kindergarten/first grade teacher I know what you are thinking. I have a two year old who is very bright and I have been wondering about Montessori. Here is the main reason he will probably not attend. When I taught in both public and private schools, the kids coming out of Montessori schools did NOT transition well in to a regular classroom. They were very bright but could not operate and function well with the schedule of the classroom. I know that their parents would say they did fine, but as the teacher who actually saw them in class everyday, I know that it was very hard for them. But like I said, they were very bright and always my top students. I think you have to think about what your child needs and how they might transition down the road. My son needs structure and discipline, therefore I do not think it would work for him. Just my opinion.
K.

I understand about your questions and concerns with your children's future educational growths. I've had all of my friends pretty much say all the things our other mommies have stated here with their reponses. I have a 3 1/2 year old and 2 year old. I've always gone with "mommie instincts" when it came to the decisions we've made for our children's education/childcare. Mommie's usually know when their children are ready for certain things and when it's time for us to seek alternate educational/childcare for our children. My 3 1/2 year old is in Montessori this fall and I'm pleased to say, it's been a great decision. I visited three Montessori schools before deciding on the one he attends and I'm pleased he's there. Now that he's enrolled. I feel like I've been in the dark when it comes to the quality and benefit Montessori offers our children. Every Parent I have met whether they've had children in the school or currently have children attending all rave about the advanced educational learnings of their children. Most of them has had multiple children that have attended. If you're looking for a more challenging place for your son, then Montessori has a great foundation for him to start. Two more of my friends that are seasoned Montessori Parents stated "they wouldn't have chosen any other school". Do your research and at the end of the day whether your son is home with you or attends school; he'll let you know when he's ready and it sounds like Mommie knows too. Good luck!