My experience with having my toddler in a Montessori classroom

While I’m so excited to have the chance to stay home with James and our new baby, once she’s born, I admit that I felt a little bit sad and guilty about pulling my two year old out of his Montessori classroom.

If I hadn’t gone back to work last year, I would never have looked into a starting him in school during the toddler years, partially because of the expense and partially because I love being home with him.

Our experience was so positive though and I’m truly glad he had that year with his wonderful teachers.  

James attended the school where I taught (Hawthorne Montessori School), which made things easier because I knew and trusted his teachers and knew he was right next door if he really needed anything.

Still, I was kind of  a mess the first few weeks after I went back to work.  The timing wasn’t great, as it coincided with his first really bad ear infection and his transition down to one nap (which did NOT go smoothly..)  I think it’s safe to say I would have been a mess no matter what was going on the first time I dropped him off though.

James, however, handled the changes in stride.  He cried a couple of times the first week I dropped him off, but after that, was always so happy to go to school.

Apart from knowing that he was happy and engaged, there were three main benefits I saw in having him in a Montessori classroom:

Sense of order / putting things away

As a Montessori teacher myself, this is something we’ve practiced since my son was born (first through simply modeling putting things away each time, then later through encouraging him to do so).

Still, I think his year in Montessori school really helped solidify that this is just the way things are done.   He was playing in his room during nap time today (instead of napping, but that’s a whole different story..), and while I really wanted him to go to sleep, I couldn’t help but laugh that he still put away each toy after he was done even though he was the only one in there.

I love the way Montessori toddler classes support children’s naturally developing sense of order, rather than accepting the chaos that is often seen in groups of young children.

 Social / emotional development

This is probably the development I value most, simply because it’s harder to provide at home, even with plenty of playdates and group classes.

I really saw James learn about what it’s like to be part of a community last year.

He is now fascinated when he notices another child crying, and will pretend his stuffed animals are crying and comfort them.

He is also much more willing to let other children use even his favorite toys when they come over.

He still talks about his school friends regularly and loves looking at pictures of them.

I’m not sure how much of this would have naturally developed anyway over the past year, but I definitely think learning how to be successful in a group setting is important and he got a great first experience with that through his school.

Guidance with milestones (toileting, napping, etc.)

This was mostly a benefit for my own peace of mind, but it was so comforting to have reassurance from his teachers that he was ready for certain milestones, like switching to one nap and switching to underwear.

While I have a lot of experience with children, I don’t really have much experience with babies and toddlers, and these are also decisions you don’t face when you’re taking care of other people’s children.

Having another perspective, one that I really trusted, on my child’s development was wonderful.

So was having James at school last year more beneficial than having him at home with me?

I have no idea.

I will say that even after just a few weeks at home with him, I feel so much more patient and joyful in our time together.  I know there were times when I was simply too tired from being with other people’s children all morning to really be the best mother that I can be.

I do know though that if he were going to be somewhere, the Montessori toddler classroom was a wonderful place for him to be, one where he knew he was loved and safe and felt secure to explore.

Did your child go to daycare or school as a toddler?  What was your experience?

Any questions about Montessori toddler classes, or Montessori school in general?

Have a wonderful weekend and a wonderful Christmas if you’re celebrating!