Why Montessori for Jude?

Why Montessori for Jude?

I am Censie, Jude’s mom.  I am the author of a parenting blog called BuildingOur Story.  For any of you that follow
my blog you know that Jude, who just turned 3, is my busy boy.  When I have people first meet Jude I often
get the question “Does he ever slow down?” – the honest answer is NO!  This boy is on the go from the time he wakes
up to the moment his eyes close. 

Since he was about 18 months
old we knew that he was going to be a challenge in any classroom due to his
high energy and advanced thinking.  My
parents are both retired teachers and they laugh at the thought of us having to
field teacher calls for the next 15 years. 
Thanks Mom and Dad!  I am very
thankful for my parents though, their teaching experiences has really helped us
decide what we want for Jude with his education, specifically his Preschool
years.  We have chosen to become a part
of the Montessori education program. 

Define Montessori
Education:  Montessori education is
characterized by an emphasis on independence, freedom within limits and respect
for a child’s natural psychological development. The teacher, child, and
environment create a learning triangle. The classroom is prepared by the
teacher to encourage independence, freedom within limits, and a sense of order.
The child, through individual choice, makes use of what the environment offers
to develop himself, interacting with the teacher when support and/or guidance
is needed.  Classroom materials {for
preschool} usually include activities for engaging in practical skills such as
pouring and spooning, materials for the development of the senses, math
materials, language materials, music and art materials, and more. (Source:  American Montessori Society)

So what is appealing about
the definition above for us and Jude? 
Jude will not be expected to SIT in a seat for hours a day and focus on
lessons in front of the room.  Instead he
will get one on one education with his teacher or classroom aide but then also
get to decide what he would like to engage with during his time in the classroom.  When we visited the classroom with Jude he
was immediately pulled into some great activities.  Sculpting Play-doh, reading in the tree
house, exploring the newly “hatched” butterflies and also matching letters.  Also, he isn’t going be fitting into a box of
education.  Montessori is about working
at the child’s level and need.  What more
could you want for your child’s first education in life?   

Our plan is to keep Jude in
this Montessori program that is just up the street from my parents until 1st
grade.  At that point we will re-evaluate
our options and move forward.  Jude
starts Pre-school in just about a month! 
EEEK!!  I am so excited for him, I
know that this step will be a great experience for him.  I want learning to be a positive feeling for
Jude for the rest of his life and I know that the Montessori program is built
on that.   

Thank you to Heather for
letting me be a part of her Montessori Moments – I look forward to many more
stories to share with you all!