I'm thinking about enrolling my 20 month old son in a Montessori school, for toddlers, and only half day. I was wondering if you have or have had your children in a Montessori school and what do you think about it? The reason I want to do it is because I believe he will enjoy it, it will help with his social skills (since he doesn't play with many kids his age) it will also help with his language skills. But is he too young?! He would start in the summer program, so he will be almost 2 years old (around 22-23 months) at that time.
About the language skills, I have read up on the subject. However, I believe socializing with children his age will not only help his social skills, but his language skills as well. Especially considering that he only understand Spanish, and once in school he will simultaneously learn English as well.
all montessori schools are not created equal. but if you get a good one, it's priceless.
next best thing to homeschooling!
:) khairete
S.
My kids go to Montessori, and I actually work there so I see first hand what goes on. I will Never put my children in a mainstream school now, because it suits them so well. What I like most of all is the mixed age groups - the older children help the younger. Although at 20 months your child won't really get the benefit of the mixed age classes (they don't start until 3) So it will be more like a regular daycare. But even in the baby classes they still use the wooden "work" (they don't call them toys, or play)
Hi. I think it can only be positive! My 5 year old started kindergarten in Montessori and has flourished!
I've not had any children in a Montessori school as we use Waldorf, but I have known Montessori students and parents and it is a good way to go. Much better than the systems way.
But your child is only 2 and the social skills are not really developed at this time of life. As for his language this come directly from you, as the child learns all language from the mother even while in the womb. You may want to research these things.
But as schools go Montessori is great. But then it also gets down to who is teaching. What kind of character the teacher has. Both Waldorf and Montessori take much care in selecting trained, kind and loving teachers. But no body is perfect.
Hope this helps.
We had the best experience in the world with a Montessori school. I could not be more positive about it. It was wonderful, fantastic, amazing, worth every penny and then some.
I would caution you, though, to do whatever research you can and make sure this is a true Montessori school. The name Montessori is not copyright-protected, and there are some schools that just use the Montessori "brand" in their names without hiring true Montessori-trained teachers or having a real Montessori orientation at all.
