Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Outside Schooling

We've been discussing, once the kids are 3, putting them in a 3 days a week/2 hours each day Montessori school in town.  It wasnt part of our "plan" in the beginning, but I'm finding it increasingly hard to find homeschool groups that accommodate toddlers except as "younger siblings" who tag along.  The groups I have found are more playgroup and less educational.  (If I want a playgroup, I have a variety to choose from...  What I want is a homeschool group for toddlers!)  So, all that being said, this looks like it might be the closest fit, even though it isn't homeschooling.  The kids love playing with other kids and this would give them exposure to other children, in an educational setting we support, and it would also give me the opportunity to network with other Montessori parents.  As it is, I've already met one set, who live behind us and have early educated in the Montessori method.  We'll see... It's over $2K a child for the year and, at this point, the idea of spending that really floors me.  We still have time and, I'm hoping, I'll find an educational homeschool group for toddlers in the meantime...

However, we have signed the kids up for a music program that meets weekly.  I'm hoping that, with their love of music and dancing and playing with other children, that this will be a good outlet for them.  In addition, since naptime seems to be changing around, I'm hoping to make the weekly playgroup at least once or twice a month. They have such a good time with kids their age; I'd love to be able to give them more playmates.

We'll see where this goes...  In the meantime, homeschooling is going really well.  They have one hour of "formal" schooling at this point (one hour per year of age is considered appropriate at this age).  We do languages, counting, colors, animals, shapes, and body parts.  We dance and sing and play on the piano.  They are so interested in the world around them.  I cant wait until spring, when we can get back outside!

4 comments:

Jessie said...

I have no idea if they would have something like this in your area, but my son (he is in 2nd grade now) goes to a chartered Montessori school. It is strictly Montessori, but is sponsored by Oakland University (in Michigan), so it is free. It has been amazing having him in a Montessori program for free. He loves it, and so do I. I'd check into the districts around you and see if any of them have something like this. Hope that helped a little =) Your babies are adorable!

Michele said...

Sadly, the closest charter Montessori is an hour away. :(

Jessie said...

Aww. That stinks. Do any of the closer ones have scholarships? Or any partnership programs? The school he went to prior to the chartered one had a partnership with several local grocery stores, and if I brought in my receipt listing them as the 'partner' I got 10% of the grocery bill knocked off his tuition. That really helped and added up quickly. Good luck. I bet you can figure out some small things that will make a world of difference if you decide you want them in the school.

Paula said...

For 3 days, 3 1/2 hours per day at the Montessori near us (3 1/2 hours is the shortest program), the tuition is $9000 per child for toddlers. The amount just amazes me.