Love these pictures! He’s doing a great job. People are often shocked when I turn the knife over to W. They’re so capable if you give them a chance.
I’ve also thought a lot about Montessori and Waldorf. My mother considered both with me, but ultimately I went to a small private school that was more traditionally academically rigorous, and that suited me. My half siblings (father’s kids) went to both Montessori and Waldorf, and each had varying success and affection for the programs. It really does depends so much on the specific school.
In my current area, those schools are very expensive and I’m not all that smitten with thier interpretations of the philosophies. We chose a cooperative preschool that’s Reggio Emilia based and it’s been a dream, and affordable!
But I’m still conflicted about what to do once we hit kindergarten. I love so much of what is espoused by Montessori, but I remember in tenth grade when I merged with kids who had been in that program, they did struggle to keep up. It seems perfect for early childhood, and then at some point I’m not certain it works for me personally… and I’m not sure what that cutoff is. These major decisions are very intimidating.
I’m very excited to see how your boys like it and what their experience is… perfect timing for me to take notes 🙂
Sweet photos! Have you switched kids to a Montessori school? I am investigating this option for Joe and would like to hear your thoughts. — if you want, by email.
Lilly- thank you for your perspective on this! We are looking into Montessori schools and very hopeful that one will work out. It goes through 6th grade and then we would probably switch to a more traditional school, but the methods of learning match so well with how we are raising our boys, it’s hard to try to send them to a public school where the emphasis is on discipline, worksheets, and very little outdoor/free time. I will do a post about the specifics of our change-of-heart, but probably not until March when we know more. I do appreciate your input.
And Nora, I will email you, but we are in the very early stages, so I’m certainly not a wealth of knowledge yet! xoxo
We are going through the same thing here- Shawn and I have been talking about options, although finances play a big role in our decision. Eager to hear how it works out for you.
Oren is enjoying school and picking things up very quickly, but is bored and hates the sitting and worksheets (as do I!) Plus I feel that half the day is wasted with discipline and busy work. At what point do the things he loves now (reading, geography) become a chore like they did for me?
We are lucky to have lots of friends locally in the same boat, so there have been lots of discussions about co-ops, etc. There are lots of factors in our decision, but I am interested in exploring education alternatives.
We shall see…
Good luck!
Annie, it sounds like we are going through the exact same thing. It is so disappointing when public schools let you down. I wish there were more *affordable* options. St. Louis is crazy like that too. If you’re loaded, you have every opportunity to give your kids the best education, if you’re not, it’s frankly pretty subpar. I hope you guys find something you love!
I love the Montessori approach! Although, it sounds like most people, sadly it was out of our price range as well. We opted for a co-op preschool and absolutely love it! I am increasingly more stressed out about kindergarten, which is rapidly approaching for us. Being a public school teacher, I see both the pros and cons, but within the last year I am experiencing so much of the negative side. It makes me sick to teach other parent’s children to a test (yes, even in music), but the though of my own child enduring that is even worse. There have been so many changes and sanctions put on public education in the last couple of years that I really do fear for the experience of Jackson (and for my own career – which I love…the actual teaching part anyway…). We are looking at options which does include both private and public school, but haven’t decided anything yet and I feel like time is running out……AGGGHHHH. I guess I just have to let go a little! Anyway, I can’t wait to hear about your experience and what works out for you and your little ones! Miss you!
This post is so timely since we are in the midst of decision making and possible change in education, too. Our experience with Sophia in public school in nc has NOT been positive or impressive thus far. I wish for you and your kiddies the best!!
Love these pictures! He’s doing a great job. People are often shocked when I turn the knife over to W. They’re so capable if you give them a chance.
I’ve also thought a lot about Montessori and Waldorf. My mother considered both with me, but ultimately I went to a small private school that was more traditionally academically rigorous, and that suited me. My half siblings (father’s kids) went to both Montessori and Waldorf, and each had varying success and affection for the programs. It really does depends so much on the specific school.
In my current area, those schools are very expensive and I’m not all that smitten with thier interpretations of the philosophies. We chose a cooperative preschool that’s Reggio Emilia based and it’s been a dream, and affordable!
But I’m still conflicted about what to do once we hit kindergarten. I love so much of what is espoused by Montessori, but I remember in tenth grade when I merged with kids who had been in that program, they did struggle to keep up. It seems perfect for early childhood, and then at some point I’m not certain it works for me personally… and I’m not sure what that cutoff is. These major decisions are very intimidating.
I’m very excited to see how your boys like it and what their experience is… perfect timing for me to take notes 🙂
Hi Lauren —
Sweet photos! Have you switched kids to a Montessori school? I am investigating this option for Joe and would like to hear your thoughts. — if you want, by email.
Miss you.
(What’s you new gig?)
xx
Lilly- thank you for your perspective on this! We are looking into Montessori schools and very hopeful that one will work out. It goes through 6th grade and then we would probably switch to a more traditional school, but the methods of learning match so well with how we are raising our boys, it’s hard to try to send them to a public school where the emphasis is on discipline, worksheets, and very little outdoor/free time. I will do a post about the specifics of our change-of-heart, but probably not until March when we know more. I do appreciate your input.
And Nora, I will email you, but we are in the very early stages, so I’m certainly not a wealth of knowledge yet! xoxo
We are going through the same thing here- Shawn and I have been talking about options, although finances play a big role in our decision. Eager to hear how it works out for you.
Oren is enjoying school and picking things up very quickly, but is bored and hates the sitting and worksheets (as do I!) Plus I feel that half the day is wasted with discipline and busy work. At what point do the things he loves now (reading, geography) become a chore like they did for me?
We are lucky to have lots of friends locally in the same boat, so there have been lots of discussions about co-ops, etc. There are lots of factors in our decision, but I am interested in exploring education alternatives.
We shall see…
Good luck!
Annie, it sounds like we are going through the exact same thing. It is so disappointing when public schools let you down. I wish there were more *affordable* options. St. Louis is crazy like that too. If you’re loaded, you have every opportunity to give your kids the best education, if you’re not, it’s frankly pretty subpar. I hope you guys find something you love!
Hey Lauren!!!
I love the Montessori approach! Although, it sounds like most people, sadly it was out of our price range as well. We opted for a co-op preschool and absolutely love it! I am increasingly more stressed out about kindergarten, which is rapidly approaching for us. Being a public school teacher, I see both the pros and cons, but within the last year I am experiencing so much of the negative side. It makes me sick to teach other parent’s children to a test (yes, even in music), but the though of my own child enduring that is even worse. There have been so many changes and sanctions put on public education in the last couple of years that I really do fear for the experience of Jackson (and for my own career – which I love…the actual teaching part anyway…). We are looking at options which does include both private and public school, but haven’t decided anything yet and I feel like time is running out……AGGGHHHH. I guess I just have to let go a little! Anyway, I can’t wait to hear about your experience and what works out for you and your little ones! Miss you!
This post is so timely since we are in the midst of decision making and possible change in education, too. Our experience with Sophia in public school in nc has NOT been positive or impressive thus far. I wish for you and your kiddies the best!!
Kathy, good luck and I miss you too! Jackson is smart as a whip, I’m sure he’s going to succeed!
Erika, I’m so sorry to hear that! And thank you, I wish the best for you guys too!
How perfect! Love this 😉
xo TJ
http://www.hislittlelady.com