Hmmmmm...I would say that bead comment is a personality thing and nothing to do with Montessori. I know they are in line with Alfie Kohn's opinion re: praise--but I cannot imagine any teacher at my kids' school responding that way to a kid making a joke, esp. on the first day. There are lots of funny imaginative kids who are thriving at my kids' school.
Montessori has been a wonderful fit for my MG-HGish, teacher pleasing 10 yr. old dd. She has been able to work at her level (although there are times when she could have been more challenged) and has been very happy.
So far it is our best option for 4 yr old dd (I suspect more gifted that dd10--but didn't fully cooperate with testing on WPPSI so according to testing she is MG)--last year was great when she was the youngest...this year is good...I don't know what it would be like for her as the oldest in the class and I know I would have to really advocate for her to be appropriately challenged. But the teachers at my kids school are flexible and I think would be willing to work with her.
I think it *can* be rigid, and if you have a kid who is PG I can see where there are issues. But I think there are also good teachers who are open to meeting the kids' needs differently.
Good luck!
