Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Learning Environments do you know anything about montessori preschool?

Of course, this is only our experience...

At ds's Montessori program, it seemed like they were more concerned with "inappropriate" use of materials--like turning rods into swords -- than with exploration of the materials. It's meant to be directed independent learning, so yes, the number beads are meant for adding/subtracting/multiplying, not for turning into trains. Teachers would redirect if the materials weren't being used for learning.

That's what we were going for, an environment in which he'd be actively learning, since he was clearly bored at his play-based daycare. I don't know if it would have gone as well had we started him at a young 3; he may not have been ready for the environment. As it was, he was among the squirreliest at circle time. But overall, it was what he needed at the right time for him.