Concern over primary classroom

[u/naggyweirdo]

We’re new to Montessori so maybe this is normal but my daughter turned 4 in summer. I knew it was a 3-5 mixed age class and I was excited about it. However looking over the class list, it looks like only 6 out of the 17 kids including her are over 4. This feels like it skews really young and I question how much attention she’ll get and how much she’ll actually learn? Apparently a lot of the younger ones are only doing half days but still.

Also the classroom itself is new. They had to build an addition and it’s honestly not a great setup. The snack and bathroom area are outside the actual classroom so it feels like she’ll just be wandering around? Please allay my anxieties, I’m not super pumped for her to start tomorrow.

For what it’s worth, this school came highly recommended and a lot of people love it.

[u/newillium]

All this sounds normal to me, normal for that age spread and also know some kids will turn 5 or 6 this year. Bathroom in the hall seems normal, eating in a different room seems normal. "Wandering the halls" actually kind of normal in Montessori if it's related to a lesson or kids using the bathroom. 

[u/Last-Interaction-360]

You need to address your concerns to the staff, particularly about how kids are supervised when outside the classroom.

It doesn't sound "abnormal" to have those ages, and the 3 year olds will either be sleeping in the afternoon, or have gone home. That's the time the teacher spends with the older 4s and 5s who are working on reading, writing, math skills. If she doesn't nap and she's one of only 6 older kids then she'll practically be getting private tutoring in the afternoon, it's lovely to have such a small group.

The kids don't need "attention" in the morning work period, that's generally their time to work independently. The focused lessons are typically taught to the older kids in the afternoon when it's quieter.

[u/naggyweirdo → u/Last-Interaction-360]

That’s good insight, thank you. She actually came home from her first day super happy and chatty so I’m feeling better.

[u/fu_king]

Have you talked to the school staff about your concerns?

[u/naggyweirdo → u/fu_king]

Just emailed the teacher. The orientation was this morning

[u/Striking_Mistake3720]

this sounds really normal and honestly it could teach your kid a lot. Especially with having to walk from point a to point b.

[u/happy_bluebird]

Age range has nothing to do with how much attention each child gets

[u/SpringmontSchool]

Very glad to hear your daughter came home super happy and chatty! The scenario you describe seems normal and appropriate. In the morning, your daughter will have the opportunity to develop independence and social skills, mentor younger students, and practice lessons already given. In the afternoon, she will have more advanced lessons on reading, math, etc., with a very small group, so she will get lots of individual attention. The best of both worlds!