I worked in a Montessori preschool also and I actually found it very stifling for the children. They are not allowed to discover, explore the materials, which are all called 'work', but they must be shown how to use it first. This was a big part of what made me leave that behind! I stayed for 2 years because it all looks so beautiful and inviting...but it's way too rigid for what young children need. Children should be allowed to explore and discover on their own FIRST, without the adult telling them how to properly use the materials!!! Then, later, yes, I think it's great that an adult shows another way to use the materials....
On Oct 25, 2014 Tracy wrote :
I worked in a Montessori preschool also and I actually found it very stifling for the children. They are not allowed to discover, explore the materials, which are all called 'work', but they must be shown how to use it first. This was a big part of what made me leave that behind! I stayed for 2 years because it all looks so beautiful and inviting...but it's way too rigid for what young children need. Children should be allowed to explore and discover on their own FIRST, without the adult telling them how to properly use the materials!!! Then, later, yes, I think it's great that an adult shows another way to use the materials....