about montessorri ..please reply. - Nurseries and Schools Discussion Forum

hi All,
I would like to know some informations about montessrri.most of them are 5 days a week,either half a day or full day.I would like to know there are few which offer 2 times or 3 times part time.Is it worth to send 2 times since it is montessori?also what is the right student teacher ratio?Plese reply.thanks. Aarti replied. My experience is only based in US. It might be entirely different in India. I am not sure where you are based. Aarti replied. Reema,

Montessori does not have a rigid curriculum, instead focuses on learning skills. It is perfectly ok to send your child to a 2 or 3 day program. The ratio you are mentioning is pretty much what I've seen. Have you observed a class. I would suggest you do that for a full hour. I did so on two days at my son's school (which is not a strict Montesorri but a hybrid). At 3, it is quite worth it to send for 2-3 days. Don't worry. If the child was 4 or 5 I would have suggested that you send for all 5 days. Right now, the focus is on him/her to learn socially appropriate behavior among peers.

I think that an ideal ratio would be 1:10. However, the Montessori schools are run like businesses and fit in as many students as possible. There are schools where the management is business minded but the teachers are very good. It all depends on that particular teacher who is charge of your child. That's its better to know in advance which class has openings. Go and observe that class as many times as you think is necessary.

I made it very clear to the school that I will observe many times. After that I took my son for two hours on a trial basis. If they are unwilling to accomodate your request, go not choose that school.

I hope this helps. I have just been through this in the last month. Finding a preschool is a very daunting task!!

- Aarti

2006-04-09

Name: Aarti
Subject:

Based in US

My experience is only based in US. It might be entirely different in India. I am not sure where you are based.

2006-04-19

Name: Neena
Subject:

Playgroup

Hi,

Does anyone know of a playgroup for toddlers in Rockville, MD.

Thanks,
Neena

2006-04-09

Name: Aarti
Subject:

Two days are ok

Reema,

Montessori does not have a rigid curriculum, instead focuses on learning skills. It is perfectly ok to send your child to a 2 or 3 day program. The ratio you are mentioning is pretty much what I've seen. Have you observed a class. I would suggest you do that for a full hour. I did so on two days at my son's school (which is not a strict Montesorri but a hybrid). At 3, it is quite worth it to send for 2-3 days. Don't worry. If the child was 4 or 5 I would have suggested that you send for all 5 days. Right now, the focus is on him/her to learn socially appropriate behavior among peers.

I think that an ideal ratio would be 1:10. However, the Montessori schools are run like businesses and fit in as many students as possible. There are schools where the management is business minded but the teachers are very good. It all depends on that particular teacher who is charge of your child. That's its better to know in advance which class has openings. Go and observe that class as many times as you think is necessary.

I made it very clear to the school that I will observe many times. After that I took my son for two hours on a trial basis. If they are unwilling to accomodate your request, go not choose that school.

I hope this helps. I have just been through this in the last month. Finding a preschool is a very daunting task!!

- Aarti

2006-04-25

Name: Reema
Subject:

Hi Aarti

Sorry Couldn't reply soon.I had iven up looking at this site,since noone had replied.I just saw your reply and thanks for the detailed explanation.
I have been to few montessorri schools once.(I am also in US).There is one whihc is very close to my home which I am considering,but the owner is not so frienbdly and doesn't communicate much.But I hear she is good teacher.I don't think she will agree for 2 hour ttrial.But I plan to go again for observation because at first,I didn't get much information.She just doesn't talk.But they are the only ones offering twice or thrice,everyone is all days which I don't want to send my child.I am planning to start at 3 1/2 now.you are right,deciding and taking tours of preschools is not so easy at it seems.Also the ration in this school is 30 plus children for two teachers.I have seen more more who are not AMI but AMS,but the ratio seems to be better 24:2 which is little far from my place.
Thanks anyway for your response.
Will Keep you posted.

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