O.K. So, Dora is now (calculating months in my head) 25 months (1 year and a month). It's that time I guess - that time to start thinking about pre-freaking-school. I'm SO not into it. It's really difficult for me to think of her being in a room full of strangers, going through any of the trauma I remember going through. Of course, I was WAY more shy and timid than the spunky little kid we seem to have on our hands. Although, she is very attached and very sensitive.
I vividly remember: crying the WHOLE day and never feeling comfortable being away from home. I ALWAYS hated school - and now, I have to go through it all over again - through my daughter.
Anyway - enough whining. I started looking into it. These are my options so far:
1. My BFF is a strong proponent of Montessouri and by luck, there is one VERY close to us. The problem is, is that they only do FULL day! What in the world?! I just can't imagine her in a room full of strangers, going through any of the trauma I remember going through - for a FULL day when she's 3. Another thing is, is that one of the mommies in the mommy group I'm in said she didn't hear very good things about the school.
2. While in Me-hee-koh...I talked with a mommy in the pool who suggested I look into Co-op Preschools. They sound AWESOME. So I did - but the only one is like probably 1/2 hr. away, 45 min. with traffic. Ugh. It sounds so perfect too - 4:1 ratio, learning through play. So frustrating.
3. That's it. I must confess, I haven't really done anymore research. Although the mommy from my playgroup found one I can't remember the name of right now. (UPDATE: "Ready, Set, Learn"
Does anyone out there have any good advice or suggestions they can give me re: this whole preschool thing?
HELP!
10 comments:
Awww...these decisions are hard that's for sure. But you know what I first thought when I read your post? And it's really simple. Don't send her to preschool.
I get the impression that deep down you don't really want to send her, and she really won't grow up socially inept or weird if she doesn't go to preschool aged three.
Take the pressure off...have fun together instead...bake cookies, go for walks, visit friends...she'll be fine. And.. she's only little once.
I hear 'ya, Munch is only two months older than Dora and I haven't started looking into it yet either. To be honest, I think pre-school will be good for Munchie...by the end of the week that little girl is very CLEARLY sick of her mama :\ I think the social interaction, new faces and experiences will be a nice change for her.
With that said, same dilemma here. Regular 'ole pre-school or Montessouri?!?! I heard somewhere that Montessouri focuses more so on free-play and creativity, while most typical pre-schools focus more on structure....
Have I ever mentioned how much I lurve me some structure???? Which is why I think my little one might benefit MORE from a less-regimented program. I fear that I'm turning her into a mini-obsessive compulsive, anal-retentive, overly organized-me...ooops...
Good Luck with your decision!
I checked out several preschools for my kids. And truthfully, while they had different philosophies, they all covered the basic social, emotional, creative skills I was after for my children.
I went with a co-op close to home. Driving time is part of the equation. And carpooling with someone can seal the deal.
It was a great school. But after seeing my son flounder because of the loose, free-style curriculum, the following year I switched to a school that was more structured in its approach.
My son does much better with structure. Thus, I think that may be a key to choosing-the kind of environment will help your child grow.
Good luck.
oh i remember this so well... luckily i found 8 pre-schools in my area when damien was ready to go. i called all 8, visited 5 of them- suprise visits btw- and liked only 3 of them. i settled on the one that had place for damien to go to till grade r, and one that other people liked too (i trust word-of-mouth a lot) and we were both very happy there.
embejo: thanks for your input:-) yeah, I've considered that, but than I know in my gut that she needs the interaction, the stimulation and all the other stuff I'm not able to give her! So, I like your idea, but I know I've gotta do the "right" thing. Ugh. Thanks again.
bekkah: I didn't know Munch was only 2 months older! No wonder we have so much in common (besides being obsessive compulsive, anal-retentive, overly organized - well - at least trying to be for me). Yeah, now I'm thinking the structure thing would be a good thing. As much as I desperately wanted no schedule to adhere to when I was working 9-5, I so desperately WANT a schedule now. So, probably the same for Dora as A.D.D. seems to run in the family too. Thanks for your input as always:-)
Meg: After your input and Bekkah's I'm REALLY leaning towards the structured thing!! Thanks so much - it made a lot of sense what you said re: how they all cover the basics anyway. I was so excited to hear that you tried the co-op thing even though it didn't work out since I was so curious about it. You've really helped me in my thought process as well. Thanks.
angel: word-of-mouth is also definitely key! and also one where they can go through the higher grades. BTW, what is "r'?- so interesting the different terms used internationally in schools. Thanks for the input Angel, as I know it's been a "few" since Damien was in school!
We are in the same boat and I just cannot even begin to process any of it. Good Luck and please share what you find out.
BTW I tagged you on my blog. Nothing to elaborate, just fun.
Hi Red! I will definitely tell you what I find out. I was just a Mommy and Me group yesterday and found out that one mom really liked Merryhill and didn't hear very good things about Ready Set Learn! Aaaaaggh! I'm hearing so many contradictory messages!
Thanks for the tag, I will check it out!
I hear that a lot of moms on the playground talking about Challenger. Maybe something to look into...
I give no advice it only gets me in trouble. By the looks of Dora's picture she has an enormous football head. You should save her from all the name calling, get her a pet monkey and home-school.
Well I'll give her the benefit of the doubt... pics can be deceiving. Go with learning through play. She's 2 and has lots of years to buckle down and be serious ahead of her.
Red: yeah, I heard Challenger's good too! But it's pretty far for us unfortunately. I just don't know WHAT to do! But, I'll keep ya posted!
Sub Jungle: OOOOHHH - you are SO in trouuuuuubleeeee....Too frickin' funny! Yeah, she got the football head from my husband's side. Good advice Sub. You're totally right re: she has the rest of her life to buckle down. Great, now I'm confused again...
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