Re: Montessori based school past preschool

[Guest guest]

Hi Amy,

I do a lot of reading in this group but your message really hit home for me.

I have a 9yr old son that is dyspraxic and has overcome many hurdles in his

young life. I live in Charlotte, NC and I have been a Lower Elementary

Montessori teacher for 5 years. I teach 6 - 9 year olds (1st, 2nd and 3rd

grade). My son and daughter have been in a Montessori school since they were

4yr olds (my daughter is 11yr old and is in the 6th grade, my son is in 3rd

grade). They both have thrived and done very well in this environment. I did

not become a certified teacher until after they were already students. I think

the Montessori philosophy has benefited them both. The montessori philosophy is

truly based on following the child but following them as their leader. As a

montessori teacher you work with the child where they are and move forward as

they are ready. The materials and the curriculum aid the child in their

development. I know you said you had only found information

about preschools, these should include a kindergarten program based on how

montessori classrooms are grouped. A preschool class should include 3 - 6 year

olds, this would include kindergarten. There are many lower elementary schools

throughout the US. If you would like my help in finding a lower elementary

program in your area, I'd be glad to help, just let me know where you live. If

you would like more information about Montessori philosophy I would be glad to

share more, I worry about babbling on too much. All I can tell you as a mom is

that I would do anything to keep my son in this environment, it is very

peaceful, loving, and accepting. We embrace the uniqueness of each other and

our classroom becomes a " family " . I know I love having the opprotunity to work

with children for 3 years.

My personal email is joeyn2@.... Hope some of this helps. I truly

love the Montessori philosophy and environment.

Sherry N.

Amy <acdudick@...> wrote:

I was just searching the archives on Montessori schools. It seems a lot of the

info is on preschools. I need to start considering what program would be best

for my son for kindergarten next year. I know it's early, but around here timing

is everything!

Anyone had their child in a Montessori based elementary?? What do you think??

Any opinions in general??

Thanks!!

Amy D

.._,___

---------------------------------

How low will we go? Check out Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Guest guest]

Hi Amy,

I do a lot of reading in this group but your message really hit home for me.

I have a 9yr old son that is dyspraxic and has overcome many hurdles in his

young life. I live in Charlotte, NC and I have been a Lower Elementary

Montessori teacher for 5 years. I teach 6 - 9 year olds (1st, 2nd and 3rd

grade). My son and daughter have been in a Montessori school since they were

4yr olds (my daughter is 11yr old and is in the 6th grade, my son is in 3rd

grade). They both have thrived and done very well in this environment. I did

not become a certified teacher until after they were already students. I think

the Montessori philosophy has benefited them both. The montessori philosophy is

truly based on following the child but following them as their leader. As a

montessori teacher you work with the child where they are and move forward as

they are ready. The materials and the curriculum aid the child in their

development. I know you said you had only found information

about preschools, these should include a kindergarten program based on how

montessori classrooms are grouped. A preschool class should include 3 - 6 year

olds, this would include kindergarten. There are many lower elementary schools

throughout the US. If you would like my help in finding a lower elementary

program in your area, I'd be glad to help, just let me know where you live. If

you would like more information about Montessori philosophy I would be glad to

share more, I worry about babbling on too much. All I can tell you as a mom is

that I would do anything to keep my son in this environment, it is very

peaceful, loving, and accepting. We embrace the uniqueness of each other and

our classroom becomes a " family " . I know I love having the opprotunity to work

with children for 3 years.

My personal email is joeyn2@.... Hope some of this helps. I truly

love the Montessori philosophy and environment.

Sherry N.

Amy <acdudick@...> wrote:

I was just searching the archives on Montessori schools. It seems a lot of the

info is on preschools. I need to start considering what program would be best

for my son for kindergarten next year. I know it's early, but around here timing

is everything!

Anyone had their child in a Montessori based elementary?? What do you think??

Any opinions in general??

Thanks!!

Amy D

.._,___

---------------------------------

How low will we go? Check out Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Guest guest]

hhhmmmmm, maybe the ProEfa's arent all they are cracked up to be, or maybe,

just maybe, Tanner requires a more " individual type education " hence

" Montessori " , not really sure....but as long as he is happy, verbal, social,

intelligent, handsome,humorous and above all.....a well adjusted, self

sufficient,

independent little boy...thats all that matters !!! WAY TO GO TANNER !!!!!

Michele

>

> Hi Sherry and Amy!

>

> Sorry it's taken me so long to answer this but I haven't for a few

> reasons. The main one being that Tanner 'just' started a Montessori

> elementary school that goes up to 8th grade this year after the

> discrimination we went through last year at his accelerated academic

> prep elementary school which we were happy with up till last year.

> (as some of you may recall since I've posted it a few times -Tanner

> who is a great student had his ability judged due to his still

> immature way of expressing himself in classes that demand

> sophisticated language and thought such as science and social

> studies. The exact statement from the one teacher was " when Tanner

> raises his hand to answer a question no matter how much time I give

> him to answer it's not clear he understands the work. The only

> reason we know he understands it is because he tests so well " And

> she said this to me right in front of both Tanner and his older

> brother Dakota as I stood there blinking with my mouth open)

>

> Well I can give you all a few updates on Montessori. The first one

> was when I went to the new parents night there were all these

> parents raising their hand to tell the staff how their child kept

> bugging them about " when is school starting again Mommy (or Daddy)

> Is it starting soon?! " And how their children (during summer break)

> couldn't wait to go back to school. I sat there next to Glenn and

> nudged his leg and laugh whispered " could you ever imagine Tanner or

> Dakota saying that?! "

>

> Tanner started school in the 4th grade and was placed in the 4th

> grade classroom which includes 5th grade students as well. Unlike

> his old school which has a huge amount of students -this school has

> much smaller class sizes, could also be there are not that many

> children in this school as in comparison to the other private (or

> public) schools for some reason.

>

> The classroom and school looks like something out of a Norman

> Rockwell painting with it's white picket fence and cottage house

> classrooms and beautiful picturesque landscaping of the playground

> and surroundings. And as quaint looking as it is, at the same time

> inside the buildings it's contemporary looking, bright and cheerful

> and " high tech " (as Tanner says). Tanner's SLP Dr. Renai Jonas

> loves the idea that the school caters it's lunch from an organic

> vegan restaurant that will even cater to any special dietary needs

> (Tanner loves his lunch each day so far!)

>

> Tanner's teacher told me she was excited to sit Tanner next to this

> one child who is a 5th grader who is doing 6th grade work. Well let

> me tell you the two of them were best friends at first sight!

> Actually from the first day of school Tanner was playing football

> and kickball and tag with this one child as well as the other kids

> (girls too)

>

> Amazingly from the time school started now....Tanner is just about

> always the first one up and showered and dressed for school! It's

> like night and day because on school day AMs while Tanner seems to

> project the mantra " be the alarm clock " ...my other son Dakota still

> needs to be plied from bed with a crowbar.

>

> The class trips creative, later this year Tanner will go on a class

> trip to Boston! Already Tanner went on a " class bonding " trip to

> the Brevard zoo for a sleepover with his sleeping bag, flashlight

> (for a night tour of the zoo) and an amazing amount of excitement!

> I never heard that child talk SO much about anything when we picked

> him up -he had a blast and a half! Highly recommend it to the other

> Florida members who can let their children's school know about

> this. (see below -you actually sleep in a treehouse above the zoo

> Tanner said)

>

> Academically the work load so far appears to be acceptable, When

> it comes to teaching the jury is still out on how Tanner is doing

> with the freer style of learning vs. the stricter prep school style

> he just came from. For example while he got As and a B on his math,

> vocab, and spelling tests this week, he didn't study at all for his

> science test this week and he failed it. And yes I feel like that's

> my fault too -like I should have known. But every night I asked him

> what his homework was -and he's not keeping me in the loop as to

> what tests he is having nor bringing home the work to study from.

> After today however Tanner promised to bring his planner home each

> day. (In his last school I had to sign his planner each night)

> Tanner was upset about his poor grade for science and told me that

> he is going to ask his teacher if he can take it over next year.

>

> An update on speech however is the other night when Tanner was doing

> his homework he asked his brother to please turn the TV volume down

> because it was " districting " him. He said the sentence beautifully!

>

> So for now I can say is that I'm thrilled that my son Tanner loves

> the Montessori school, teachers, and his new friends there (as well

> as the class pet hamster and hermit crabs) I'm hoping big time that

> this style of learning works for him as well and teaches him to take

> more responsibility for what he needs to do each day. School just

> started so time will tell. Sherry do you have any ideas about what

> I just wrote above? Love to hear back!

>

> More on the safari!

>

> Overnight Zoo Safaris

> Enter a world long kept in the dark- encounter the Zoo at night. Our

> overnight program will let you experience what most zoo visitors can

> only imagine. Upon arrival, campers participate in hands-on

> activities and an animal presentation. Back in the Zoo School

> classrooms, campers take a quick break to refuel before braving the

> unknown on a flashlight safari. After a good night's sleep, awaken

> to the sounds of the Zoo at daybreak and enjoy a continental

> breakfast. So throw on your sneakers, bring a sleeping bag and dare

> to see an alligator's lair during these action-packed sleepovers.

>

>

> Public: Public Overnights are a great place to make new friends or

> to bring your friends! Look for our upcoming public overnights

> available throughout the year. Check out our NEW themed overnights

> on or around the holidays!

> Children must be 6-12 years old and accompanied by at least one

> adult 6pm-9am. $40 per person for non members and $35 per person for

> members.

> http://www.brevardzoo.org/education/kidsprograms_1.html

>

> =====

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sherry and Amy!

Sorry it's taken me so long to answer this but I haven't for a few

reasons. The main one being that Tanner 'just' started a Montessori

elementary school that goes up to 8th grade this year after the

discrimination we went through last year at his accelerated academic

prep elementary school which we were happy with up till last year.

(as some of you may recall since I've posted it a few times -Tanner

who is a great student had his ability judged due to his still

immature way of expressing himself in classes that demand

sophisticated language and thought such as science and social

studies. The exact statement from the one teacher was " when Tanner

raises his hand to answer a question no matter how much time I give

him to answer it's not clear he understands the work. The only

reason we know he understands it is because he tests so well " And

she said this to me right in front of both Tanner and his older

brother Dakota as I stood there blinking with my mouth open)

Well I can give you all a few updates on Montessori. The first one

was when I went to the new parents night there were all these

parents raising their hand to tell the staff how their child kept

bugging them about " when is school starting again Mommy (or Daddy)

Is it starting soon?! " And how their children (during summer break)

couldn't wait to go back to school. I sat there next to Glenn and

nudged his leg and laugh whispered " could you ever imagine Tanner or

Dakota saying that?! "

Tanner started school in the 4th grade and was placed in the 4th

grade classroom which includes 5th grade students as well. Unlike

his old school which has a huge amount of students -this school has

much smaller class sizes, could also be there are not that many

children in this school as in comparison to the other private (or

public) schools for some reason.

The classroom and school looks like something out of a Norman

Rockwell painting with it's white picket fence and cottage house

classrooms and beautiful picturesque landscaping of the playground

and surroundings. And as quaint looking as it is, at the same time

inside the buildings it's contemporary looking, bright and cheerful

and " high tech " (as Tanner says). Tanner's SLP Dr. Renai Jonas

loves the idea that the school caters it's lunch from an organic

vegan restaurant that will even cater to any special dietary needs

(Tanner loves his lunch each day so far!)

Tanner's teacher told me she was excited to sit Tanner next to this

one child who is a 5th grader who is doing 6th grade work. Well let

me tell you the two of them were best friends at first sight!

Actually from the first day of school Tanner was playing football

and kickball and tag with this one child as well as the other kids

(girls too)

Amazingly from the time school started now....Tanner is just about

always the first one up and showered and dressed for school! It's

like night and day because on school day AMs while Tanner seems to

project the mantra " be the alarm clock " ...my other son Dakota still

needs to be plied from bed with a crowbar.

The class trips creative, later this year Tanner will go on a class

trip to Boston! Already Tanner went on a " class bonding " trip to

the Brevard zoo for a sleepover with his sleeping bag, flashlight

(for a night tour of the zoo) and an amazing amount of excitement!

I never heard that child talk SO much about anything when we picked

him up -he had a blast and a half! Highly recommend it to the other

Florida members who can let their children's school know about

this. (see below -you actually sleep in a treehouse above the zoo

Tanner said)

Academically the work load so far appears to be acceptable, When

it comes to teaching the jury is still out on how Tanner is doing

with the freer style of learning vs. the stricter prep school style

he just came from. For example while he got As and a B on his math,

vocab, and spelling tests this week, he didn't study at all for his

science test this week and he failed it. And yes I feel like that's

my fault too -like I should have known. But every night I asked him

what his homework was -and he's not keeping me in the loop as to

what tests he is having nor bringing home the work to study from.

After today however Tanner promised to bring his planner home each

day. (In his last school I had to sign his planner each night)

Tanner was upset about his poor grade for science and told me that

he is going to ask his teacher if he can take it over next year.

An update on speech however is the other night when Tanner was doing

his homework he asked his brother to please turn the TV volume down

because it was " districting " him. He said the sentence beautifully!

So for now I can say is that I'm thrilled that my son Tanner loves

the Montessori school, teachers, and his new friends there (as well

as the class pet hamster and hermit crabs) I'm hoping big time that

this style of learning works for him as well and teaches him to take

more responsibility for what he needs to do each day. School just

started so time will tell. Sherry do you have any ideas about what

I just wrote above? Love to hear back!

More on the safari!

Overnight Zoo Safaris

Enter a world long kept in the dark- encounter the Zoo at night. Our

overnight program will let you experience what most zoo visitors can

only imagine. Upon arrival, campers participate in hands-on

activities and an animal presentation. Back in the Zoo School

classrooms, campers take a quick break to refuel before braving the

unknown on a flashlight safari. After a good night's sleep, awaken

to the sounds of the Zoo at daybreak and enjoy a continental

breakfast. So throw on your sneakers, bring a sleeping bag and dare

to see an alligator's lair during these action-packed sleepovers.

Public: Public Overnights are a great place to make new friends or

to bring your friends! Look for our upcoming public overnights

available throughout the year. Check out our NEW themed overnights

on or around the holidays!

Children must be 6-12 years old and accompanied by at least one

adult 6pm-9am. $40 per person for non members and $35 per person for

members.

http://www.brevardzoo.org/education/kidsprograms_1.html

=====

[Guest guest]

Thanks Michele! Montessori, ProEFA & ProEPA, and gamma & alpha E

all together...at this point I wouldn't want to cut out any of them!

=====

[Guest guest]

Oh my gosh that school sounds FANTASTIC! We don't have montessori

schools beyond preschool where I live, and I'm not even sure those

are the real deal. By the way, I think the google founders are

montessori grads. Tanner and Dakota could be tycoons in the

making!

>

> Hi Sherry and Amy!

>

> Sorry it's taken me so long to answer this but I haven't for a few

> reasons. The main one being that Tanner 'just' started a

Montessori

> elementary school that goes up to 8th grade this year after the

> discrimination we went through last year at his accelerated

academic

> prep elementary school which we were happy with up till last

year.

> (as some of you may recall since I've posted it a few times -

Tanner

> who is a great student had his ability judged due to his still

> immature way of expressing himself in classes that demand

> sophisticated language and thought such as science and social

> studies. The exact statement from the one teacher was " when

Tanner

> raises his hand to answer a question no matter how much time I

give

> him to answer it's not clear he understands the work. The only

> reason we know he understands it is because he tests so well " And

> she said this to me right in front of both Tanner and his older

> brother Dakota as I stood there blinking with my mouth open)

>

> Well I can give you all a few updates on Montessori. The first

one

> was when I went to the new parents night there were all these

> parents raising their hand to tell the staff how their child kept

> bugging them about " when is school starting again Mommy (or

Daddy)

> Is it starting soon?! " And how their children (during summer

break)

> couldn't wait to go back to school. I sat there next to Glenn and

> nudged his leg and laugh whispered " could you ever imagine Tanner

or

> Dakota saying that?! "

>

> Tanner started school in the 4th grade and was placed in the 4th

> grade classroom which includes 5th grade students as well. Unlike

> his old school which has a huge amount of students -this school

has

> much smaller class sizes, could also be there are not that many

> children in this school as in comparison to the other private (or

> public) schools for some reason.

>

> The classroom and school looks like something out of a Norman

> Rockwell painting with it's white picket fence and cottage house

> classrooms and beautiful picturesque landscaping of the playground

> and surroundings. And as quaint looking as it is, at the same

time

> inside the buildings it's contemporary looking, bright and

cheerful

> and " high tech " (as Tanner says). Tanner's SLP Dr. Renai Jonas

> loves the idea that the school caters it's lunch from an organic

> vegan restaurant that will even cater to any special dietary

needs

> (Tanner loves his lunch each day so far!)

>

> Tanner's teacher told me she was excited to sit Tanner next to

this

> one child who is a 5th grader who is doing 6th grade work. Well

let

> me tell you the two of them were best friends at first sight!

> Actually from the first day of school Tanner was playing football

> and kickball and tag with this one child as well as the other kids

> (girls too)

>

> Amazingly from the time school started now....Tanner is just about

> always the first one up and showered and dressed for school! It's

> like night and day because on school day AMs while Tanner seems to

> project the mantra " be the alarm clock " ...my other son Dakota

still

> needs to be plied from bed with a crowbar.

>

> The class trips creative, later this year Tanner will go on a

class

> trip to Boston! Already Tanner went on a " class bonding " trip to

> the Brevard zoo for a sleepover with his sleeping bag, flashlight

> (for a night tour of the zoo) and an amazing amount of

excitement!

> I never heard that child talk SO much about anything when we

picked

> him up -he had a blast and a half! Highly recommend it to the

other

> Florida members who can let their children's school know about

> this. (see below -you actually sleep in a treehouse above the

zoo

> Tanner said)

>

> Academically the work load so far appears to be acceptable, When

> it comes to teaching the jury is still out on how Tanner is doing

> with the freer style of learning vs. the stricter prep school

style

> he just came from. For example while he got As and a B on his

math,

> vocab, and spelling tests this week, he didn't study at all for

his

> science test this week and he failed it. And yes I feel like

that's

> my fault too -like I should have known. But every night I asked

him

> what his homework was -and he's not keeping me in the loop as to

> what tests he is having nor bringing home the work to study from.

> After today however Tanner promised to bring his planner home each

> day. (In his last school I had to sign his planner each night)

> Tanner was upset about his poor grade for science and told me that

> he is going to ask his teacher if he can take it over next year.

>

> An update on speech however is the other night when Tanner was

doing

> his homework he asked his brother to please turn the TV volume

down

> because it was " districting " him. He said the sentence

beautifully!

>

> So for now I can say is that I'm thrilled that my son Tanner loves

> the Montessori school, teachers, and his new friends there (as

well

> as the class pet hamster and hermit crabs) I'm hoping big time

that

> this style of learning works for him as well and teaches him to

take

> more responsibility for what he needs to do each day. School just

> started so time will tell. Sherry do you have any ideas about

what

> I just wrote above? Love to hear back!

>

> More on the safari!

>

> Overnight Zoo Safaris

> Enter a world long kept in the dark- encounter the Zoo at night.

Our

> overnight program will let you experience what most zoo visitors

can

> only imagine. Upon arrival, campers participate in hands-on

> activities and an animal presentation. Back in the Zoo School

> classrooms, campers take a quick break to refuel before braving

the

> unknown on a flashlight safari. After a good night's sleep, awaken

> to the sounds of the Zoo at daybreak and enjoy a continental

> breakfast. So throw on your sneakers, bring a sleeping bag and

dare

> to see an alligator's lair during these action-packed sleepovers.

>

>

> Public: Public Overnights are a great place to make new friends or

> to bring your friends! Look for our upcoming public overnights

> available throughout the year. Check out our NEW themed overnights

> on or around the holidays!

> Children must be 6-12 years old and accompanied by at least one

> adult 6pm-9am. $40 per person for non members and $35 per person

for

> members.

> http://www.brevardzoo.org/education/kidsprograms_1.html

>

> =====

>

[Guest guest]

hhhmmmmm, maybe the ProEfa's arent all they are cracked up to be, or maybe,

just maybe, Tanner requires a more " individual type education " hence

" Montessori " , not really sure....but as long as he is happy, verbal, social,

intelligent, handsome,humorous and above all.....a well adjusted, self

sufficient,

independent little boy...thats all that matters !!! WAY TO GO TANNER !!!!!

Michele

>

> Hi Sherry and Amy!

>

> Sorry it's taken me so long to answer this but I haven't for a few

> reasons. The main one being that Tanner 'just' started a Montessori

> elementary school that goes up to 8th grade this year after the

> discrimination we went through last year at his accelerated academic

> prep elementary school which we were happy with up till last year.

> (as some of you may recall since I've posted it a few times -Tanner

> who is a great student had his ability judged due to his still

> immature way of expressing himself in classes that demand

> sophisticated language and thought such as science and social

> studies. The exact statement from the one teacher was " when Tanner

> raises his hand to answer a question no matter how much time I give

> him to answer it's not clear he understands the work. The only

> reason we know he understands it is because he tests so well " And

> she said this to me right in front of both Tanner and his older

> brother Dakota as I stood there blinking with my mouth open)

>

> Well I can give you all a few updates on Montessori. The first one

> was when I went to the new parents night there were all these

> parents raising their hand to tell the staff how their child kept

> bugging them about " when is school starting again Mommy (or Daddy)

> Is it starting soon?! " And how their children (during summer break)

> couldn't wait to go back to school. I sat there next to Glenn and

> nudged his leg and laugh whispered " could you ever imagine Tanner or

> Dakota saying that?! "

>

> Tanner started school in the 4th grade and was placed in the 4th

> grade classroom which includes 5th grade students as well. Unlike

> his old school which has a huge amount of students -this school has

> much smaller class sizes, could also be there are not that many

> children in this school as in comparison to the other private (or

> public) schools for some reason.

>

> The classroom and school looks like something out of a Norman

> Rockwell painting with it's white picket fence and cottage house

> classrooms and beautiful picturesque landscaping of the playground

> and surroundings. And as quaint looking as it is, at the same time

> inside the buildings it's contemporary looking, bright and cheerful

> and " high tech " (as Tanner says). Tanner's SLP Dr. Renai Jonas

> loves the idea that the school caters it's lunch from an organic

> vegan restaurant that will even cater to any special dietary needs

> (Tanner loves his lunch each day so far!)

>

> Tanner's teacher told me she was excited to sit Tanner next to this

> one child who is a 5th grader who is doing 6th grade work. Well let

> me tell you the two of them were best friends at first sight!

> Actually from the first day of school Tanner was playing football

> and kickball and tag with this one child as well as the other kids

> (girls too)

>

> Amazingly from the time school started now....Tanner is just about

> always the first one up and showered and dressed for school! It's

> like night and day because on school day AMs while Tanner seems to

> project the mantra " be the alarm clock " ...my other son Dakota still

> needs to be plied from bed with a crowbar.

>

> The class trips creative, later this year Tanner will go on a class

> trip to Boston! Already Tanner went on a " class bonding " trip to

> the Brevard zoo for a sleepover with his sleeping bag, flashlight

> (for a night tour of the zoo) and an amazing amount of excitement!

> I never heard that child talk SO much about anything when we picked

> him up -he had a blast and a half! Highly recommend it to the other

> Florida members who can let their children's school know about

> this. (see below -you actually sleep in a treehouse above the zoo

> Tanner said)

>

> Academically the work load so far appears to be acceptable, When

> it comes to teaching the jury is still out on how Tanner is doing

> with the freer style of learning vs. the stricter prep school style

> he just came from. For example while he got As and a B on his math,

> vocab, and spelling tests this week, he didn't study at all for his

> science test this week and he failed it. And yes I feel like that's

> my fault too -like I should have known. But every night I asked him

> what his homework was -and he's not keeping me in the loop as to

> what tests he is having nor bringing home the work to study from.

> After today however Tanner promised to bring his planner home each

> day. (In his last school I had to sign his planner each night)

> Tanner was upset about his poor grade for science and told me that

> he is going to ask his teacher if he can take it over next year.

>

> An update on speech however is the other night when Tanner was doing

> his homework he asked his brother to please turn the TV volume down

> because it was " districting " him. He said the sentence beautifully!

>

> So for now I can say is that I'm thrilled that my son Tanner loves

> the Montessori school, teachers, and his new friends there (as well

> as the class pet hamster and hermit crabs) I'm hoping big time that

> this style of learning works for him as well and teaches him to take

> more responsibility for what he needs to do each day. School just

> started so time will tell. Sherry do you have any ideas about what

> I just wrote above? Love to hear back!

>

> More on the safari!

>

> Overnight Zoo Safaris

> Enter a world long kept in the dark- encounter the Zoo at night. Our

> overnight program will let you experience what most zoo visitors can

> only imagine. Upon arrival, campers participate in hands-on

> activities and an animal presentation. Back in the Zoo School

> classrooms, campers take a quick break to refuel before braving the

> unknown on a flashlight safari. After a good night's sleep, awaken

> to the sounds of the Zoo at daybreak and enjoy a continental

> breakfast. So throw on your sneakers, bring a sleeping bag and dare

> to see an alligator's lair during these action-packed sleepovers.

>

>

> Public: Public Overnights are a great place to make new friends or

> to bring your friends! Look for our upcoming public overnights

> available throughout the year. Check out our NEW themed overnights

> on or around the holidays!

> Children must be 6-12 years old and accompanied by at least one

> adult 6pm-9am. $40 per person for non members and $35 per person for

> members.

> http://www.brevardzoo.org/education/kidsprograms_1.html

>

> =====

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sherry and Amy!

Sorry it's taken me so long to answer this but I haven't for a few

reasons. The main one being that Tanner 'just' started a Montessori

elementary school that goes up to 8th grade this year after the

discrimination we went through last year at his accelerated academic

prep elementary school which we were happy with up till last year.

(as some of you may recall since I've posted it a few times -Tanner

who is a great student had his ability judged due to his still

immature way of expressing himself in classes that demand

sophisticated language and thought such as science and social

studies. The exact statement from the one teacher was " when Tanner

raises his hand to answer a question no matter how much time I give

him to answer it's not clear he understands the work. The only

reason we know he understands it is because he tests so well " And

she said this to me right in front of both Tanner and his older

brother Dakota as I stood there blinking with my mouth open)

Well I can give you all a few updates on Montessori. The first one

was when I went to the new parents night there were all these

parents raising their hand to tell the staff how their child kept

bugging them about " when is school starting again Mommy (or Daddy)

Is it starting soon?! " And how their children (during summer break)

couldn't wait to go back to school. I sat there next to Glenn and

nudged his leg and laugh whispered " could you ever imagine Tanner or

Dakota saying that?! "

Tanner started school in the 4th grade and was placed in the 4th

grade classroom which includes 5th grade students as well. Unlike

his old school which has a huge amount of students -this school has

much smaller class sizes, could also be there are not that many

children in this school as in comparison to the other private (or

public) schools for some reason.

The classroom and school looks like something out of a Norman

Rockwell painting with it's white picket fence and cottage house

classrooms and beautiful picturesque landscaping of the playground

and surroundings. And as quaint looking as it is, at the same time

inside the buildings it's contemporary looking, bright and cheerful

and " high tech " (as Tanner says). Tanner's SLP Dr. Renai Jonas

loves the idea that the school caters it's lunch from an organic

vegan restaurant that will even cater to any special dietary needs

(Tanner loves his lunch each day so far!)

Tanner's teacher told me she was excited to sit Tanner next to this

one child who is a 5th grader who is doing 6th grade work. Well let

me tell you the two of them were best friends at first sight!

Actually from the first day of school Tanner was playing football

and kickball and tag with this one child as well as the other kids

(girls too)

Amazingly from the time school started now....Tanner is just about

always the first one up and showered and dressed for school! It's

like night and day because on school day AMs while Tanner seems to

project the mantra " be the alarm clock " ...my other son Dakota still

needs to be plied from bed with a crowbar.

The class trips creative, later this year Tanner will go on a class

trip to Boston! Already Tanner went on a " class bonding " trip to

the Brevard zoo for a sleepover with his sleeping bag, flashlight

(for a night tour of the zoo) and an amazing amount of excitement!

I never heard that child talk SO much about anything when we picked

him up -he had a blast and a half! Highly recommend it to the other

Florida members who can let their children's school know about

this. (see below -you actually sleep in a treehouse above the zoo

Tanner said)

Academically the work load so far appears to be acceptable, When

it comes to teaching the jury is still out on how Tanner is doing

with the freer style of learning vs. the stricter prep school style

he just came from. For example while he got As and a B on his math,

vocab, and spelling tests this week, he didn't study at all for his

science test this week and he failed it. And yes I feel like that's

my fault too -like I should have known. But every night I asked him

what his homework was -and he's not keeping me in the loop as to

what tests he is having nor bringing home the work to study from.

After today however Tanner promised to bring his planner home each

day. (In his last school I had to sign his planner each night)

Tanner was upset about his poor grade for science and told me that

he is going to ask his teacher if he can take it over next year.

An update on speech however is the other night when Tanner was doing

his homework he asked his brother to please turn the TV volume down

because it was " districting " him. He said the sentence beautifully!

So for now I can say is that I'm thrilled that my son Tanner loves

the Montessori school, teachers, and his new friends there (as well

as the class pet hamster and hermit crabs) I'm hoping big time that

this style of learning works for him as well and teaches him to take

more responsibility for what he needs to do each day. School just

started so time will tell. Sherry do you have any ideas about what

I just wrote above? Love to hear back!

More on the safari!

Overnight Zoo Safaris

Enter a world long kept in the dark- encounter the Zoo at night. Our

overnight program will let you experience what most zoo visitors can

only imagine. Upon arrival, campers participate in hands-on

activities and an animal presentation. Back in the Zoo School

classrooms, campers take a quick break to refuel before braving the

unknown on a flashlight safari. After a good night's sleep, awaken

to the sounds of the Zoo at daybreak and enjoy a continental

breakfast. So throw on your sneakers, bring a sleeping bag and dare

to see an alligator's lair during these action-packed sleepovers.

Public: Public Overnights are a great place to make new friends or

to bring your friends! Look for our upcoming public overnights

available throughout the year. Check out our NEW themed overnights

on or around the holidays!

Children must be 6-12 years old and accompanied by at least one

adult 6pm-9am. $40 per person for non members and $35 per person for

members.

http://www.brevardzoo.org/education/kidsprograms_1.html

=====

[Guest guest]

Thanks Michele! Montessori, ProEFA & ProEPA, and gamma & alpha E

all together...at this point I wouldn't want to cut out any of them!

=====

[Guest guest]

Oh my gosh that school sounds FANTASTIC! We don't have montessori

schools beyond preschool where I live, and I'm not even sure those

are the real deal. By the way, I think the google founders are

montessori grads. Tanner and Dakota could be tycoons in the

making!

>

> Hi Sherry and Amy!

>

> Sorry it's taken me so long to answer this but I haven't for a few

> reasons. The main one being that Tanner 'just' started a

Montessori

> elementary school that goes up to 8th grade this year after the

> discrimination we went through last year at his accelerated

academic

> prep elementary school which we were happy with up till last

year.

> (as some of you may recall since I've posted it a few times -

Tanner

> who is a great student had his ability judged due to his still

> immature way of expressing himself in classes that demand

> sophisticated language and thought such as science and social

> studies. The exact statement from the one teacher was " when

Tanner

> raises his hand to answer a question no matter how much time I

give

> him to answer it's not clear he understands the work. The only

> reason we know he understands it is because he tests so well " And

> she said this to me right in front of both Tanner and his older

> brother Dakota as I stood there blinking with my mouth open)

>

> Well I can give you all a few updates on Montessori. The first

one

> was when I went to the new parents night there were all these

> parents raising their hand to tell the staff how their child kept

> bugging them about " when is school starting again Mommy (or

Daddy)

> Is it starting soon?! " And how their children (during summer

break)

> couldn't wait to go back to school. I sat there next to Glenn and

> nudged his leg and laugh whispered " could you ever imagine Tanner

or

> Dakota saying that?! "

>

> Tanner started school in the 4th grade and was placed in the 4th

> grade classroom which includes 5th grade students as well. Unlike

> his old school which has a huge amount of students -this school

has

> much smaller class sizes, could also be there are not that many

> children in this school as in comparison to the other private (or

> public) schools for some reason.

>

> The classroom and school looks like something out of a Norman

> Rockwell painting with it's white picket fence and cottage house

> classrooms and beautiful picturesque landscaping of the playground

> and surroundings. And as quaint looking as it is, at the same

time

> inside the buildings it's contemporary looking, bright and

cheerful

> and " high tech " (as Tanner says). Tanner's SLP Dr. Renai Jonas

> loves the idea that the school caters it's lunch from an organic

> vegan restaurant that will even cater to any special dietary

needs

> (Tanner loves his lunch each day so far!)

>

> Tanner's teacher told me she was excited to sit Tanner next to

this

> one child who is a 5th grader who is doing 6th grade work. Well

let

> me tell you the two of them were best friends at first sight!

> Actually from the first day of school Tanner was playing football

> and kickball and tag with this one child as well as the other kids

> (girls too)

>

> Amazingly from the time school started now....Tanner is just about

> always the first one up and showered and dressed for school! It's

> like night and day because on school day AMs while Tanner seems to

> project the mantra " be the alarm clock " ...my other son Dakota

still

> needs to be plied from bed with a crowbar.

>

> The class trips creative, later this year Tanner will go on a

class

> trip to Boston! Already Tanner went on a " class bonding " trip to

> the Brevard zoo for a sleepover with his sleeping bag, flashlight

> (for a night tour of the zoo) and an amazing amount of

excitement!

> I never heard that child talk SO much about anything when we

picked

> him up -he had a blast and a half! Highly recommend it to the

other

> Florida members who can let their children's school know about

> this. (see below -you actually sleep in a treehouse above the

zoo

> Tanner said)

>

> Academically the work load so far appears to be acceptable, When

> it comes to teaching the jury is still out on how Tanner is doing

> with the freer style of learning vs. the stricter prep school

style

> he just came from. For example while he got As and a B on his

math,

> vocab, and spelling tests this week, he didn't study at all for

his

> science test this week and he failed it. And yes I feel like

that's

> my fault too -like I should have known. But every night I asked

him

> what his homework was -and he's not keeping me in the loop as to

> what tests he is having nor bringing home the work to study from.

> After today however Tanner promised to bring his planner home each

> day. (In his last school I had to sign his planner each night)

> Tanner was upset about his poor grade for science and told me that

> he is going to ask his teacher if he can take it over next year.

>

> An update on speech however is the other night when Tanner was

doing

> his homework he asked his brother to please turn the TV volume

down

> because it was " districting " him. He said the sentence

beautifully!

>

> So for now I can say is that I'm thrilled that my son Tanner loves

> the Montessori school, teachers, and his new friends there (as

well

> as the class pet hamster and hermit crabs) I'm hoping big time

that

> this style of learning works for him as well and teaches him to

take

> more responsibility for what he needs to do each day. School just

> started so time will tell. Sherry do you have any ideas about

what

> I just wrote above? Love to hear back!

>

> More on the safari!

>

> Overnight Zoo Safaris

> Enter a world long kept in the dark- encounter the Zoo at night.

Our

> overnight program will let you experience what most zoo visitors

can

> only imagine. Upon arrival, campers participate in hands-on

> activities and an animal presentation. Back in the Zoo School

> classrooms, campers take a quick break to refuel before braving

the

> unknown on a flashlight safari. After a good night's sleep, awaken

> to the sounds of the Zoo at daybreak and enjoy a continental

> breakfast. So throw on your sneakers, bring a sleeping bag and

dare

> to see an alligator's lair during these action-packed sleepovers.

>

>

> Public: Public Overnights are a great place to make new friends or

> to bring your friends! Look for our upcoming public overnights

> available throughout the year. Check out our NEW themed overnights

> on or around the holidays!

> Children must be 6-12 years old and accompanied by at least one

> adult 6pm-9am. $40 per person for non members and $35 per person

for

> members.

> http://www.brevardzoo.org/education/kidsprograms_1.html

>

> =====

>

[Guest guest]

Tanner is the only one in the Montessori elementary school right

now. Dakota is still in the other school in 7th grade with one year

to go till HS (ahhhhh can't believe it!!!!!) Dakota may try the

middle school version branched off from Tanner's school next year

for one year -we are leaving it up to Dakota. Dakota is just as

shocked as us about Tanner. Just the other day he said to

Tanner " If you could stay home and play all day or go to school what

would you want to do? " Without hesitation Tanner said " Go to

school " so Dakota said " No really. What would you rather do, stay

home and play or go to school? " . And Tanner said again " Go to

school! " And I just laughed.

It would be proof to me that the method teaches the love of learning

if Dakota tries it and wakes up in the morning even 'with' the alarm

and not 'before' it like Tanner now!

(Tanner used to be hard to wake up on school days too)

=====

[Guest guest]

Tanner is the only one in the Montessori elementary school right

now. Dakota is still in the other school in 7th grade with one year

to go till HS (ahhhhh can't believe it!!!!!) Dakota may try the

middle school version branched off from Tanner's school next year

for one year -we are leaving it up to Dakota. Dakota is just as

shocked as us about Tanner. Just the other day he said to

Tanner " If you could stay home and play all day or go to school what

would you want to do? " Without hesitation Tanner said " Go to

school " so Dakota said " No really. What would you rather do, stay

home and play or go to school? " . And Tanner said again " Go to

school! " And I just laughed.

It would be proof to me that the method teaches the love of learning

if Dakota tries it and wakes up in the morning even 'with' the alarm

and not 'before' it like Tanner now!

(Tanner used to be hard to wake up on school days too)

=====

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks so much for sharing your story! I really feel in my heart that a

Montessori would be better suited for my son than a " typical " classroom.

There's one here that's a charter school, I would really like to get him into.

But with this area a lot of the charter schools get a huge amount of

applications. I have looked into private Montessori school but was shocked to

see how expensive they are. I'm definitely going to keep looking and see if we

can find on that will work. Please keep us posted!!

Sherry!

Thanks for sharing your experiences with me! I've saved the email and will be

using it as a guide when looking!! =)

Amy D.

kiddietalk <kiddietalk@...> wrote:

Tanner is the only one in the Montessori elementary school right

now. Dakota is still in the other school in 7th grade with one year

to go till HS (ahhhhh can't believe it!!!!!) Dakota may try the

middle school version branched off from Tanner's school next year

for one year -we are leaving it up to Dakota. Dakota is just as

shocked as us about Tanner. Just the other day he said to

Tanner " If you could stay home and play all day or go to school what

would you want to do? " Without hesitation Tanner said " Go to

school " so Dakota said " No really. What would you rather do, stay

home and play or go to school? " . And Tanner said again " Go to

school! " And I just laughed.

It would be proof to me that the method teaches the love of learning

if Dakota tries it and wakes up in the morning even 'with' the alarm

and not 'before' it like Tanner now!

(Tanner used to be hard to wake up on school days too)

=====

[Guest guest]

After taking our school district to Due Process we also got Montessori School

fully funded and my son just started 1st grade here with a 1:1Aide and the

teachers and kids are awesome. There are 10 kids in the classroom and older

kids work as mentors for the smaller children so there is a natural teamwork

built early on and these kids are my sons biggest cheerleaders. They also are

good about letting him know what is not acceptable behavior so i would

recommend this environment as it is very hands on and uses sensorial materials

throughout the day not to mention they have spanish, french, yoga, music and

dance as part of weekly cirriculum.

gabriele

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Thanks so much for sharing your story! I really feel in my heart that a

Montessori would be better suited for my son than a " typical " classroom.

There's one here that's a charter school, I would really like to get him into.

But with this area a lot of the charter schools get a huge amount of

applications. I have looked into private Montessori school but was shocked to

see how expensive they are. I'm definitely going to keep looking and see if we

can find on that will work. Please keep us posted!!

Sherry!

Thanks for sharing your experiences with me! I've saved the email and will be

using it as a guide when looking!! =)

Amy D.

kiddietalk <kiddietalk@...> wrote:

Tanner is the only one in the Montessori elementary school right

now. Dakota is still in the other school in 7th grade with one year

to go till HS (ahhhhh can't believe it!!!!!) Dakota may try the

middle school version branched off from Tanner's school next year

for one year -we are leaving it up to Dakota. Dakota is just as

shocked as us about Tanner. Just the other day he said to

Tanner " If you could stay home and play all day or go to school what

would you want to do? " Without hesitation Tanner said " Go to

school " so Dakota said " No really. What would you rather do, stay

home and play or go to school? " . And Tanner said again " Go to

school! " And I just laughed.

It would be proof to me that the method teaches the love of learning

if Dakota tries it and wakes up in the morning even 'with' the alarm

and not 'before' it like Tanner now!

(Tanner used to be hard to wake up on school days too)

=====

[Guest guest]

After taking our school district to Due Process we also got Montessori School

fully funded and my son just started 1st grade here with a 1:1Aide and the

teachers and kids are awesome. There are 10 kids in the classroom and older

kids work as mentors for the smaller children so there is a natural teamwork

built early on and these kids are my sons biggest cheerleaders. They also are

good about letting him know what is not acceptable behavior so i would

recommend this environment as it is very hands on and uses sensorial materials

throughout the day not to mention they have spanish, french, yoga, music and

dance as part of weekly cirriculum.

gabriele

[Guest guest]

,

I am so glad that Tanner is enjoying his new environment and

has been welcomed by the students. Then again, I would say

that is the montessori way:). As I shared with Amy, the

montessori philosophy is to develop the whole child's

personality. We also believe the world is our classroom. We

love to take our child to camps that help emphasize that.

I teach 6 - 9 yr olds and every year we go to a YMCA camp for

3 days and 2 nights, very rarely do we have a child that is

homesick because they are having such a great time.

My daughter is in the upper elementary like Tanner. They start

every year with a field trip to a nearby park to work on team

building skills. The 9 - 12 yr olds work on finding their place

in the community, whereas the 6 - 9 yr olds focus on finding

their place in the world.

, I was a little surprised to read that Tanner has had a test.

Each montessori school is a little different that way. This is the

first year my daughter(she is a 6th grader) has had to have

" tests " other than a spelling quiz. I will say for an 11 yr old, she

is very organized and on top of knowing what work she needs to

do and what is completed. Part of that organization has come

from having to do year long projects where the children have

to learn to budget their time. Give Tanner time to settle in and

understand that the independence given to the children is a

big part of the montessori philosophy. Children new to this

environment sometimes take a little while to get use to the

amount of independence they are given in regards to their work.

I had to laugh when I read your comment about how Tanner

played at recess with the child he became friends with and

how the he even played with the girls. My children have both

been in montessori since they were 4 and I would have to say

over the years they have played and had play dates with

children of the same gender as much as the opposite gender.

Its the acceptability the children are shown through their peace

lessons. We, as montessorians stress the importance of

peace and love with one another and I think this has helped

my children a lot. Everyone is special and unique and we

embrace that about each other.

I wish Tanner the best of luck at his school and hope he

grows inside and out during his time there. Let me know if

you ever have questions about Montessori. I would be glad

to do my best and help you out.

Sherry ('s mom)

kiddietalk <kiddietalk@...> wrote:

Tanner is the only one in the Montessori elementary school right

now. Dakota is still in the other school in 7th grade with one year

to go till HS (ahhhhh can't believe it!!!!!) Dakota may try the

middle school version branched off from Tanner's school next year

for one year -we are leaving it up to Dakota. Dakota is just as

shocked as us about Tanner. Just the other day he said to

Tanner " If you could stay home and play all day or go to school what

would you want to do? " Without hesitation Tanner said " Go to

school " so Dakota said " No really. What would you rather do, stay

home and play or go to school? " . And Tanner said again " Go to

school! " And I just laughed.

It would be proof to me that the method teaches the love of learning

if Dakota tries it and wakes up in the morning even 'with' the alarm

and not 'before' it like Tanner now!

(Tanner used to be hard to wake up on school days too)

=====

[Guest guest]

,

I am so glad that Tanner is enjoying his new environment and

has been welcomed by the students. Then again, I would say

that is the montessori way:). As I shared with Amy, the

montessori philosophy is to develop the whole child's

personality. We also believe the world is our classroom. We

love to take our child to camps that help emphasize that.

I teach 6 - 9 yr olds and every year we go to a YMCA camp for

3 days and 2 nights, very rarely do we have a child that is

homesick because they are having such a great time.

My daughter is in the upper elementary like Tanner. They start

every year with a field trip to a nearby park to work on team

building skills. The 9 - 12 yr olds work on finding their place

in the community, whereas the 6 - 9 yr olds focus on finding

their place in the world.

, I was a little surprised to read that Tanner has had a test.

Each montessori school is a little different that way. This is the

first year my daughter(she is a 6th grader) has had to have

" tests " other than a spelling quiz. I will say for an 11 yr old, she

is very organized and on top of knowing what work she needs to

do and what is completed. Part of that organization has come

from having to do year long projects where the children have

to learn to budget their time. Give Tanner time to settle in and

understand that the independence given to the children is a

big part of the montessori philosophy. Children new to this

environment sometimes take a little while to get use to the

amount of independence they are given in regards to their work.

I had to laugh when I read your comment about how Tanner

played at recess with the child he became friends with and

how the he even played with the girls. My children have both

been in montessori since they were 4 and I would have to say

over the years they have played and had play dates with

children of the same gender as much as the opposite gender.

Its the acceptability the children are shown through their peace

lessons. We, as montessorians stress the importance of

peace and love with one another and I think this has helped

my children a lot. Everyone is special and unique and we

embrace that about each other.

I wish Tanner the best of luck at his school and hope he

grows inside and out during his time there. Let me know if

you ever have questions about Montessori. I would be glad

to do my best and help you out.

Sherry ('s mom)

kiddietalk <kiddietalk@...> wrote:

Tanner is the only one in the Montessori elementary school right

now. Dakota is still in the other school in 7th grade with one year

to go till HS (ahhhhh can't believe it!!!!!) Dakota may try the

middle school version branched off from Tanner's school next year

for one year -we are leaving it up to Dakota. Dakota is just as

shocked as us about Tanner. Just the other day he said to

Tanner " If you could stay home and play all day or go to school what

would you want to do? " Without hesitation Tanner said " Go to

school " so Dakota said " No really. What would you rather do, stay

home and play or go to school? " . And Tanner said again " Go to

school! " And I just laughed.

It would be proof to me that the method teaches the love of learning

if Dakota tries it and wakes up in the morning even 'with' the alarm

and not 'before' it like Tanner now!

(Tanner used to be hard to wake up on school days too)

=====