Preschool #2
So I checked out the other preschool today and am completely torn. They both seem really really good, but are complete opposites of each other.
The one I went to yesterday (in addition to what I posted) is more of a standard "school" setting, big table for all kids to sit at, specific activities with a schedual etc, etc. School #2 seemed to be more Montesorri influenced. They do not have a big table and never enforce "group" activities. They will encourage the kids to sit and listen to the story etc, but not make them, and it's perfectly ok if they want to play something else instead. They also regularly evaluate the kids to make sure they are learning the lesson's and if they aren't will work with director and parents to make sure they do.
With #1 the freedom and chaos of school #2 would NEVER work... he needs and thrives on structure as he is a naturally unstructured kid. However for #2, it might be good for him to learn to not be so structured as he is a very consistent, clean, and almost anal child at 2. Also where #1 is easily overstimulated and would lash out, #2 retreats into himself and a quiet activity if over stimulated.
I really think it comes down to what style I like better for #2 since they both seemed clean, have low staff turnover, good teacher child interaction, good schedules/activities. Other then the feel of the school the main differences are:
School #1 he needs to be potty trained, it's $30 month cheaper (even more if we up him to 3 days a week next year), Shorter days of 2 1/2 hours, on T/TH, and a little closer, He will be one of the youngest students in a school year based age system
School #2 is bigger, on M/F, more expensive, although only by $30 this year it'd be by $60 more next year when we up him to 3 days, Comes with a free use of a work out room, Has all paid and mostly licensed teachers, and he will be in a class with kids within months of his age.
OH and my neighbor I do babysitting for is thinking of sending her boy to #1, but he'd be M/W/F with the older kids, which means I'll still have to pick him up days I have him on M/F which I don't really mind. It'd be nice if they both went to #2 on the same day's, but the 4yr old class there is full.
What's a mother to do ;-)
The one I went to yesterday (in addition to what I posted) is more of a standard "school" setting, big table for all kids to sit at, specific activities with a schedual etc, etc. School #2 seemed to be more Montesorri influenced. They do not have a big table and never enforce "group" activities. They will encourage the kids to sit and listen to the story etc, but not make them, and it's perfectly ok if they want to play something else instead. They also regularly evaluate the kids to make sure they are learning the lesson's and if they aren't will work with director and parents to make sure they do.
With #1 the freedom and chaos of school #2 would NEVER work... he needs and thrives on structure as he is a naturally unstructured kid. However for #2, it might be good for him to learn to not be so structured as he is a very consistent, clean, and almost anal child at 2. Also where #1 is easily overstimulated and would lash out, #2 retreats into himself and a quiet activity if over stimulated.
I really think it comes down to what style I like better for #2 since they both seemed clean, have low staff turnover, good teacher child interaction, good schedules/activities. Other then the feel of the school the main differences are:
School #1 he needs to be potty trained, it's $30 month cheaper (even more if we up him to 3 days a week next year), Shorter days of 2 1/2 hours, on T/TH, and a little closer, He will be one of the youngest students in a school year based age system
School #2 is bigger, on M/F, more expensive, although only by $30 this year it'd be by $60 more next year when we up him to 3 days, Comes with a free use of a work out room, Has all paid and mostly licensed teachers, and he will be in a class with kids within months of his age.
OH and my neighbor I do babysitting for is thinking of sending her boy to #1, but he'd be M/W/F with the older kids, which means I'll still have to pick him up days I have him on M/F which I don't really mind. It'd be nice if they both went to #2 on the same day's, but the 4yr old class there is full.
What's a mother to do ;-)
posted by Beth @ 1:29 PM
2 Comments:
At 1:59 PM,
Denise said…
Having an overly structured kid myself, I'd go w/ #1. You can work w/ him on being more flexible at home, but you don't want him to hate school or fall apart there b/c he can't handle all the "chaos."
At 1:30 AM,
Unknown said…
I'd go with the structed setting. That's how school is going to be...one activity to the next, lunch, recess. May as well get into the groove.
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