Why did I choose Montessori?
In the late 1990’s, I was a young woman trying to juggle motherhood and graduate school.
I had a good handle on school but I found myself struggling with the important task of finding a nurturing educational setting that would provide a challenging and inclusive curriculum for my four-year-old son.
As a black mother, I knew that decisions surrounding my son’s education would be some of the most important ones that I would make in my life.
No pressure, right?
At any rate, in the city where I lived, the educational infrastructure left much to be desired. Therefore, I was worried about finding the right place for my son.
But, after engaging in a great deal of research, and with the addition of a chance meeting, I discovered Montessori–the perfect learning environment for a child like mine.
Now, I’m not here to argue that Montessori is better than traditional education. It would be a fool’s game to engage in such an exercise; especially when you consider the fact that school performance differs from area to area.
That said, in the U.S., there are plenty of excellent traditional schools–if you happen to be zoned for them.
No shade, but we all know that your educational “mileage may vary” depending on WHO you are, WHERE you live and how much MONEY you have.
I digress.
Anyway, my goal here is to simply express that Montessori was the best choice for us.
Here’s a quick video about our journey.
Resources:
Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu
UNCF Statistics on Disparities in Education
**Montessori schools often offer financial assistance to parents who are interested but feel they can’t afford it. Most private schools do.
If you have additional questions you can reach out to me at ladygflow1@gmail.com.
Notes (lol)
I wrote a paper on Jawanza Kunjufu in the 12th grade. My English teacher was most impressed. It’s amazing how many connections I keep making on your posts.
I may use this video in my Intro to Ed course. We talk about Montessori and I never have concrete examples.
Come on “triangulate”! lol I have a friend who calls me an intellectual whore…this word just made my ears perk up lol
I’m at 10:41 now: Yes, your BLACK son would not have had this experience in “regular” public school. In fact, he may have either lost interest by the 4th grade or they would’ve labeled him something by then…I’m glad you made this decision for him!
So, yes…that foundation (as you can see) was important for him to learn in an environment that was nurturing, academic, and liberating.
Who tf would criticize you sending your child to whatever school you wanted? Never mind…people are nutz.
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Wow!!!! Just wow!!
I figured most folks would be like, “Who in the hell is Jafar Kujuzzu?”
You LOL!!! Most of his stuff is from so long again that I figured he’d be lost to time. That said, I am amazed to find someone else who is familiar with his work—-I really shouldn’t be surprised that you are, given your background and because, as you said, we have so many connections.
And YAAASSS GURL! TRIANGULATE! YES.
I am so thrilled at the idea that you would even consider using this video in one of your courses!!! I am honored! So you can take that as an approval! 😂😂😂.
The only thing that I forgot to mention is that the Montessori teachers always told us that if you start Montessori and you plan to transfer to traditional school, you should do it before first grade OR after 5th grade—mainly because they are so non traditional in their methods and techniques ( from 1st thru 5th grade) that kids need to have the basics understood in the abstract (which usually happens after 5th grade) before making a transition.
They say, from observation, that it’s much easier when done this way.
Anyway, I could go on all day! Thanks for reading and commenting.
And yes! Every-damn-body had an opinion. Monastery is the one that killed me tho 😩😃😂🙏🏽
Much love! Thanks Doc!
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Girl. Don’t even be knowing what they talking about…monastery
but wanna give advice.
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Plenty of it too😁😁😁😁
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…and yep Kunjufu is Chicago born and lives there still…that’s another thing I noticed a lot of public schools don’t do, teach about their local heroes/history/etc. Anywho…good work Lady G!
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Your homeboy!!! That’s too cool and thanks!
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Excellent job! You are the reason we chose Montessori school for our son.
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Awwwww thank you Sis. Kiss my sweet nephew for me❤️
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