Which is better and why ? Any personal experience ? Please share if you have had 3-4 year olds go through this experience.
Re: MONTESSORI VS. PRESCHOOL
My siblings and I went to Montessoris and my mom is a Montessori teacher (used to be in Pakistan, and is one in USA now).
From personal experience I would not recommend Montessori in the U.S (although I could be wrong), I just feel they are much better in Pakistan than U.S. But then again I have only experienced one Montessori in the U.S cuz I used to work there, and I found it extremely poorly run, very unorganized and the kids dint seem to be learning as much as compared to what similar aged kids learn in Pakistani Montessoris. I mean 6 yr olds could'nt even tell a 'p' apart from a '9' !!
Re: MONTESSORI VS. PRESCHOOL
^^
forgot to ask you are u asking bout Montessoris in Pak or USA ?
Re: MONTESSORI VS. PRESCHOOL
In my opinion preschool is really just an introduction for kids to become socialized, co-operative and learn to get used to a schedule. Safia is starting in May in a small, church run preschool. I don't expect her to really learn an awful lot. I teach her at home myself. I just want her to play, have fun and make friends. I want her to learn to follow a teacher's instructions. So it depends on your needs. I don't mind that Safia will be in a somewhat leniant and relaxed schedule. Some mothers want to know that their kids are being taught some very specific things. I'm sure Montessori stresses certain aspects of learning and group interaction.
Re: MONTESSORI VS. PRESCHOOL
Saima :- my daughter is already at a preschool but I am not sure how long they should do the fun and games. She has learned a lot through interactions with other kids and also following the teacher but she's also pretty mature for her age and so I am wondering if she needs more challenges in a certain learning structure - i.e. montessori.
Re: MONTESSORI VS. PRESCHOOL
I am not too sure about the American system myself. The emphasis on interaction and co-operation is a bit too much and they don't put any emphasis on learning. I found the Australian system to be much better than the American. A much better mix of everything. However, I think monstessori and pre-school are different names for the same beast in different countries.
Re: MONTESSORI VS. PRESCHOOL
Every Montessori school is different so you really have to visit and compare. If regular preschool doesnt seem to be challenging enough, you may want to look into special pre-schools that take on "accelerated" kids. You may want to think about this though. If she gets too far advanced, she'll either end up being completely bored once she gets to regular kindergarden or you'll end up sending her to a private school which is hair-raisingly expensive!
Re: MONTESSORI VS. PRESCHOOL
I think montesori schools are great. They are based on a learning system different from preschools. If you are looking for one choose a reputable one. Go and observe the class in progress. I think they are great.