| Dear Cheekster
I'm sure the first day of school is very overwhelming for both mother and child. I am not too sure how much research you have done on the Montessori philosophy and methodology but I would like to try and put your mind at ease as to whether you feel you have made the right choice by sending your son to a Montessori School.
Firstly, I cannot emphasis just how much your son will be respected and loved by the toddler teachers at IMS. Secondly, it is very important to understand that the reason behind showing the children what to do in a specific way is so that the children learn the ground rules that are in place in the classroom. Many believe that the concept behind Montessori is that children are free to do whatever they want, whenever they want. This is true to a certain extent - children have the freedom to choose their activities and move around the classroom but this should be done in a disciplined manner so that the classroom is a calm place to work in. Otherwise it could be quite chaotic!
Showing the children how to tuck their chairs under the table, or how to roll up a mat, or how to carry a tray with two hands is to help children understand the rules of the classroom. Children learn best by repetition and being shown how to do something again and again. I am sure that your son did get a bit frustrated but I am sure that the teacher was only trying to help.
One of the goals in a Montessori classroom is to encourage children to become independent individuals. They cannot do this unless they are guided in the right direction. This takes time and patience.
Please don't feel you have made the wrong choice of schools. Allow your son to develop under the guidance of the teachers. If you would like to have a better understanding of certain concepts, the best person to ask is the teacher. Never be afraid to ask why things are done in a certain way. If you understand how things work in the classroom, you can help guide your son too and be a part of the experience.  |