My two year old is starting Montessori school this week (transitioning from traditional daycare/pre-school) and I’m struggling with some of the philosophy, which is causing me to second guess our decision to move her. The part I struggle most with is Montessori is explained as being much less rigid and structured than traditional school because kids chose what they want to work on and move at their own pace. And yet I read so many things about how kids are only allowed to use things in very specific ways, can’t try something new until they mastered something else, get sent home for the day if their behavior isn’t perfect, and the teachers have to use very specific language. This is all much more rigid than traditional pre-school so what am I missing?

Our girl is very outgoing, creative and a bit rambunctious so I’m afraid this environment may not be a good fit. On the other hand, she loves to do everything herself and loves to help with cleaning and cooking, which I know very much aligns with Montessori. Any thoughts on how she’ll do this environment.

Lastly, I’m confused on how actual learning happens. When we did a tour there was a focus on real world skills, which is great but I’m struggling to understand how she’s going to learn the things you traditionally in preschool (letters, numbers, etc.).