Let's Talk Montessori

I was so dead-set against the Montessori method because I felt it didn't prepare children for the structured environment of the public school system, but after visiting North Shore Montessori today (just for comparison purposes because lots of moms rave about it), I feel like I'm sold. I'm so nervous though. I'm scared my son is going to find one thing and play with it all day, not working on things he needs help with. Any experiences with Montessori, good or bad? FM if you'd like. TIA!

Re: Let's Talk Montessori

That's the school in Stony Brook, right? I sent my son there 3 years ago and I honestly hated everything about it.
I endedup pulling him out in May because I couldn't stand for him to attend for one more second.


ETA: My experience was with this specific school, not Montessori in general.

Message edited 11/14/2008 2:28:15 PM.

Re: Let's Talk Montessori

I used to work at a Montessori program. I was such a skeptic at first!

I don't think I would send my child past kindegarten- because it is alot different that traditional methods- but I think it is an amazing early childhood program.

I worked with Toddlers (18months-just under 3 years). They developed language, fine and gross motor skills and social skills at a tremendous rate (I'm only comparing them to my 2 young cousins-not a scientific fact). I was amazed.

If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to try to answer them!


ETA: I also have friends that are Montessori trained-AMI- who would answer anything I'm not sure of. I know my one friend says to make sure you enroll in a program with AMI certification rather than the other one (I think it is either AMS or MSI??) because AMI has more stringent training and requirements for their staff.

Message edited 11/14/2008 2:15:31 PM.

Re: Let's Talk Montessori

As a teacher (currently on extended maternity leave) and as a mom, I advocate a good Montessori program wholeheartedly. I have seen the results with my own students, as welll as with my own DD. She is a high school student at Kellenberg at the moment (in honors classes with a high average), and I really do trace her incredible success back to her amazing start at Montessori. You cannot get a more structured environment than Kellenberg, and she has been able to thrive there. I personally have not seen kids face difficulty when transitioning from Montessori to a public or other school.

There are two Montessori schools in Nassau with which I am familiar. One I can recommend, the other I absolutely cannot! You do want to make certain that all teaching staff & assistants - as well as the owners of the school - are Montessori trained. If they are, it shows where their priority lies.

Re: Let's Talk Montessori

My daughter is in Montessori and it is anything but unstructured. They are very organized. Teach children to do one "work" at a time, clean up, be extremely independent (get their own snack, child size bathrooms, get their own coats on, pour their own drinks, etc).
My DD has learned SO much in the 3 months she has been their it just blows my mind. I think Montessori is excellent and many children that come out of Montessori are far more advanced in reading, math, etc. because it's not "play" it's very active learning of math, reading, practical life, sensory, language, science, etc. Even at 3 years old my daughter is learning the continents this month.

Re: Let's Talk Montessori

If you find a great program I think its invaluable. Cole goes to Briarwood montessori on Stony Brook Rd. the director was formerly from North Shore Montessori and then brached out on her own. SHe calls it an "evolved" Montessori program in that the foundations are the same, but she does not "allow" children to focus on only one interest. (Cole cant spend all day every day at the train table)
It's a very well rounded sensory based program. I love it!

Re: Let's Talk Montessori

Does anyone know about the program in Lindenhurst? Recommend it?

Re: Let's Talk Montessori

Thank you so much everyone! Anyone else??