Learning the Montessori Methods

Yesterday was a day filled with baby/child classes. First we had our third Centering session, which I discussed yesterday in My Doula. Then when Aaron got off school we hurried to a Montessori Philosophy information session held at the Austin Montessori School. It was geared toward parents of 2-6 year olds but also went into detail about the learning process which starts at birth. We were the only couple in attendance who didn't have a child yet and also weren't on the waiting list. That waiting list must be scary long. All those families waiting to pay $8,000-$10,000 per year on a great education for their children. There goes our paychecks.

The Montessori way is new to both Aaron and I. While we have been doing quite a bit of research since finding out we were pregnant, neither Aaron or I grew up in that environment. I grew up in a Private school, as well as Catholic and Lutheran schools. And Aaron spent his childhood in Public Schools. Both of us having good and bad experiences.

The woman who led the session was a teacher at the school for ages 2 1/2 to 6 1/2 in what they call 'The Children's House.' What a fun age! She was very passionate about the Montessori way and its positive effect on children. What Aaron and I found most interesting was that before the age of 6, children are language geniuses, able to pick up any language they are submersed in. Aaron asked her the best way to integrate a child into a bilingual family, like our own. From her training and experience she said the best way was for one parent to speak one language to the child and the other parent to speak another. We had already planned on doing this, so it was good to hear we were on the right path. Ill only be able to understand parts of what Aaron and Penelope are discussing, this might be a bad thing, they might be plotting against me. My goal is to get Rosetta Stone so I'm not the odd man out while visiting Aaron's family and I can partake in Penelope's language building. Aaron's mother and I would actually be able to talk instead of sitting across from each other smiling, which I might say is working well so far. Maybe that's why she likes me so much.

Also discussed during the information session was a "No Screen" rule. Children before the age of 6 should not be watching television, movies, playing with iPhone's or iPad's, etc. From the tone of the teacher this seems to be a very hard rule for parents to follow. She stated that she can always tell when a child has been watching television because they have a lack of focus and attention. Makes sense. Aaron and I weren't planning on letting Penelope watching television either but a shock came over Aaron when he realized this included football. He had visions of spending Sunday afternoons curled up on the couch with his little football fan. Looks like he'll he spending those Sunday afternoons alone.

Another interesting point that was touched on was not using a stroller constantly. While in a stroller a child just sits there and relaxes, but when you put them in a wagon they have to engage their core muscles to hold themselves up. Therefore being more present. Also by the age of 5, children can walk long distances, just at their own pace. One thing I have always hated was seeing parents pushing a giant kid in a stroller that can obviously walk but probably through a tantrum and got his way. No thank you. Similarly, parents must let the child perform tasks for themselves if they have already proven they can accomplish themselves. For example putting on their own shoes. Once a child has mastered this there is no reason for the parent to continue to put on their shoes. I can imagine this task would be very frustrating if your trying to get out the door quickly. But nonetheless, very important. Patience is not my strong suit, something I need to focus on before little Penelope arrives.

I'm sure Ill remember many more interesting topics from the talk last night as well as through my Montessori readings. This post will probably have many more sequels. Sorry to those who think its boring but YAY for those interested.