Views pls: Montessori Nursery

mr-mr_2

Thinking of sending a child to one of these.

Would like some opinions.

PM me by all means.

Thanks.

jackieglasgow

My SIL is a Montessori teacher and swears by it. She used to work in a Waldorf school, but feels the Montessori methods are much better for the children. Her own wee one, who is almost three, has been raised using their teaching methods, and the "whole child" approach, and is very advanced for her age. A lot of what they do is normal sensible childcare which every mother around the world does, but they emphasis on the child's place in society is very interesting, I would have liked the opportunity to consider it for my children when they were that age. Have you been to the nursery, and seen the theory in action? That's the best way to pick childcare, not according to what their brochure says they do. Good luck.

GobbledyGook

I agree with jackie, you need to go to the actual nursery and see what it is like. I loved the concept behind the Montessori set-up, but the one local to me just didn't have a good feel to it when I went to visit. The nursery my girls went too instead didn't seem as good in their brochure or online, but the vibe was much better in there and the children there just seemed much happier.

Zaksmummy

We have 3 local nurseries, one being montessori.

Went to have a look at all and picked the montessori as they seemed more focussed on the children, although it wasn't the cheapest, DS started in January and absolutely loves it. This is not to say that he wouldn't have liked the others but I think we made the right choice for him.

andyrules

GobbledyGook wrote: »

I agree with jackie, you need to go to the actual nursery and see what it is like. I loved the concept behind the Montessori set-up, but the one local to me just didn't have a good feel to it when I went to visit. The nursery my girls went too instead didn't seem as good in their brochure or online, but the vibe was much better in there and the children there just seemed much happier.

So true. However glossy the theory the main thing is the level of care.

Rockporkchop

It's a fantastic concept and I would love to send my children to one - unfortunately there are none anywhere near us.

verysillyguy06

jackieglasgow wrote: »

My SIL is a Montessori teacher and swears by it. She used to work in a Waldorf school, but feels the Montessori methods are much better for the children. Her own wee one, who is almost three, has been raised using their teaching methods, and the "whole child" approach, and is very advanced for her age. A lot of what they do is normal sensible childcare which every mother around the world does, but they emphasis on the child's place in society is very interesting, I would have liked the opportunity to consider it for my children when they were that age. Have you been to the nursery, and seen the theory in action? That's the best way to pick childcare, not according to what their brochure says they do. Good luck.

:T:T Have to agree with this post. Our children went to the waldorfschool and had a fantastic child centred time throughout their schooling but if you prefer an even more soft approach then the Montessori way is the way.

However, you do need to see it as some do not really understand what they are aiming for as it is not very far spread in this country

Memory_Girl

I'm a convert too. Spent years trying to paper over the cracks in state eductation, so when it came to educating my first lad - thank goodness there was a local "Childrens House" - Montessori nursery.

My boy is now nearly ten and still in the Montessori environment as luckily our school started an "Elementary" class as my boy got older (from 6 - 12) - and now we have just started our "Erd-Kinder" programme (from 12-18) so he will be staying in the environment until he finishes school.

I am pleased with this because although it is very child centered - the academic rigour is extremelly high. We have just got our "Curriculum for Excellence" for example - and all our children are thriving academically - yes, even those with Learning Differences.

I agree with the other posters - if its purely a nursery place then I would visit and make sure that you and your child feel comfortable in the environment first of all - really experience it in action rather than through any brochure.

And as for baby no2? Well he stayed with the Elelmentary Class this morning to do yoga, then came home with me. BUt in January he begins in Children House and already knows his "teacher" (we don't call her that, but thats the easiest description) and is very happy to be involved with the older kids already. With this one I really see the Montessori principles in action as we apply them not only in the school but at home.

PM me if you you'd like some book references etc

Memorygirl

mr-mr_2

Are there any good ones in Birmingham.

When is the best age to start sending a child to a nursery?