Ds6 started a first grade class (skipped KG, but that just put him where he should be chronologically, although he is on the young side of 1st gr) January 5 at a Montessori school. Ds says the work is challenging enough, but every learning activity requires writing. Because they do not use text books and try to avoid excessive use of worksheets, the students instead read material from literature or from maniplative-type material (timelines, puzzle pieces, laminated cards, etc.), and then the students must transfer (write) that information into a notebook. For one, writing is a chore for ds. Two, he skipped KG so he has not had to do a lot of writing prior to beginning Montessori school, other than writing short words, his name, etc. I'm not sure if what is required of him at Montessori is really developmentally appropriate for a 6 year old. Has anyone else found this to be an issue, particularly in a Montessori setting? It's causing ds to dislike ALL subjects when he used to just dislike writing.
