Wrapping Up Summer

          We’re at the final stretch for summer and we’re looking forward to a busy and relaxing fall. One thing that’s been on my mind for a great many months has been preschool. There is so much fuss surrounding it– I’m starting to feel like my search for college was a bit easier than this. There are so many terms that are tossed around and so much to consider. For instance, what is you child’s fit? Should his preschool be play-based or learning based? Which learning method do you subscribe to? Maria Montessori? Alfie Kohn? Reggio Emilia? Waldorf? Local? 1/2 day? Full day? How many days a week? What is your child’s overall temperament? Will he thrive in a large classroom? Small? Are you opposed to early reading and math?

          I really like the idea of Montessori but I don’t know if a strict Montessori program is a great fit for my love bug. My child likes to flip over his cars and spin the wheels from time to time or use a remote control as a car. He know what cars do and how they roll but in a Montessori school, that car would be turned over and my sun would be made to roll it right side up and forward as it is meant to be. I can already see this emerging, creative spirit and the idea of muffling it just worries me. That being said, everyone that I know who has attended Montessori preschool just seems so well adjusted and on top of it. I have Maria Montessori’s “Absorbent Mind” but I have yet to read it. I like the way that math is taught in Montessori– it is it’s own system and it prevents math from seeming overwhelming as the numbers get larger. I certainly will not rule out Montessori as I know that some are less strict than others but looking at the cost for most Montessori schools, it’s not very likely that we will be able to send our kids to one.

          I also like the idea of play-based learning. My sister in-law and various other elementary school teachers have enlightened me as to what Kindergartners are now taught. I can remember singing songs by the piano, playing in the play kitchen and making Matzoh. I am told that Kindergartners are lucky if they have any play areas at all. There is already an emphasis on teaching them math, learning how to read and testing them in these areas. I can’t even imagine seating a 5 year old at a desk for a steady amount of time. This makes me even more excited about making his pre-school experience one that involves a great deal of play, socializing and creativity…but for Pete’s sake, will that really cost $500-1200/ month? For that kind of money, you expect your child to be examining hydra through a state of the art electronic microscope and playing the Oboe (and the Montessori schools in our area costs even more)! I’m also questioning whether there is any benefit in having him in preschool for 5 days considering that I’m home. I think that we’ll just start him off with two to three days per week and feeling out how much he likes it.

          Coops seem to be quite popular in our area. A small group of parents get together and they each take turns teaching the children. Although I like the idea of communal harmony for a fraction of the cost of preschool. I don’t want to watch anyone’s kid unless I want to watch their kid. I like the idea of credentials and allowing the experts (those with years of experience and references under their belt) to do their job. I don’t want my son to be traumatized because Billy’s dad felt that it was ok to make him sit alone in a corner and stare at the wall (I don’t care if it is called a “peace corner”). And how do you know that these parents can be neutral when putting out proverbial fires between their child and yours? I’m sure that it’s just me but I just don’t trust it.

          Please weigh in on your preschool experience, your philosophy, or your child’s experience.