I read this article on Slate today and wasn't surprised one bit...
Ryan and I have already had words about our unborn child's schooling. In fact, we've had numerous words regarding which and what kind of pre-school we'd like her to go to. We have some differences of opinions. Awesome, since she's not even born yet.
Back in 2000, when I was a nanny for a family here in Sacramento, part of my duties included dropping off and picking up Noah from pre-school. His parents were/are both doctors and so this particular family lives in one of our area's more affluent neighborhoods. This is also where the most awesome pre-school on the planet is located. From the second I walked into the little house that two sisters had converted into a pre-school so many years before, I knew my future kids MUST somehow have the opportunity to attend.
There's just one problem with this pre-school...
Most of the kids are white. And most of them are rich, or rather their parents are rich. Rich people bug. Especially when it comes to education--they always have the best stuff.
I'm not sure I'm into that. So much for diversity. And, my child needs to know there are all kinds of people and that they come in all kinds of colors. As a public educator, this is important to me. But, so is finding a pre-school where they make cute Thanksgiving turkeys out of popsicle sticks and construction paper.
Plus, I know for a fact this pre-school is expensive. And, you have to get on a waiting list years in advance. In fact, we've probably already missed the window.
So much to think about...
8 comments:
Personally, I think in-home preschools are the way to go. The others that I have researched are more like daycare centers than preschools, but maybe it's different up north.
I can't believe Lilly is still hanging tight in there. Here's to hoping your blood pressure skyrockets on Monday (but not high enough to give you a seizure or anything!)
This is my cup of tea...having worked at Pre-schools for 4 years I would have to agree that you want a place where there is a set program and it's not play time for the entire 5 hours she's there. Have Ms. Lilly attend just for the morning class or maybe just MWF. I loved working at the Jewish Community Center in SLC and seeing the diversity there. Head Start is another fantastic place, they have children with special needs there intermixed with other children. It's so important to allow your children to see the differences in one another and not fear them.
I love you Jen and hope for a very fast and safe labor!!
-Kellie Fullmer
I'm already worried about pre-schools as well. I want a good school, with not very many kids, that Avery will actually learn something rather than "play" the entire time.
Interesting article up on Slate.
I endorse Montessori. Both my children have attended pre-school/Kindergarten at a Montessori school. But do your research to really understand the philosophy. I say this because there are many misconceptions about Montessori. You'll be glad to know it's every where in Europe and as usual USA has not caught up yet. It's child centered beyond what any other preschool can be. Do you ever remember actually being into an assignment or a project and the teacher told you it's time to move on to another subject but you just weren't ready yet. Or you had just caught on and wanted to finish. Well with Montessori the child doesn't have that problem. If Lilly is really working hard on a project and wants to spend hours on it until she is content it's done, then she can. This is important because when a child is actually interested and engaged on there own accord, research shows the child's brain is sensitive to that subject therefore more able to truly learn it. It's really great. I love it and so did my kids but it doesn't fit for every personality because the child needs to be self driven and some are not taught or allowed to be that way. Any way off my soap box. I also wish for you to have a speedy delivery.
I keep hearing the same thing about Montesorri schools..."they are great but not for everybody." I don't get that. I have never been to a Montesorri school, but it seems that if it's great for one, it should be a positive experience for every kid.
Hi Kellie!
My husband grew up on Montessori (his mom has been a teacher--Montessori--for 25 years). I really like the idea of the "hands on everything" approach. I definitely need to learn more...but I think that's the route we're likely to take. Good luck!
Regarding Meggan's question. What I have seen in my experience with Montessori is that children with behavioral issues have a hard time in the Montessori environment. ADD, ADHD and social emotional challenges make the environment not suited for these kids. They are not self directed and interrupt other children's work to much. But the majority of the issues come into play with the parents. Most parents are not able to let their child work at their pace. The parent wants to see conventional schooling type proof of the child's learning and sometimes the Montessori way can not immediately produce that. When one has their child in a Montessori one must trust in the child. It's really hard but soooo rewarding.
Nadia, do children have a hard time adapting to conventional schooling once they leave montessori schools? Doesn't it only go to 8th grade?
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