Experience with International Montessori School in Ap Lei Chau? DESPERATE!!!!

My 2 yr old boy has just joined the Toddler Group at the IMS in Ap Lei Chau, both him and I were very overwhelmed on this 1st day of school. I was surprised at all the rules & how strictly they were enforced in a toddler group for 2 - 3 yr olds. Like they were supposed to push their chairs back when they leave their tables, my son did that with one hand instead of two, the teacher just wouldn't let it go and made him do it over & over again until he got really frustrated. The reason I didn't want to send him to a local pre-school or kindy is because I'd like him to be given the freedom to develop his own character and self and not be told that there's only one way to do things and stifle his imagination. That's why I sent him to a Montessori school because I heard about how much they respected each child and how they're allowed to choose what they like to do, now I'm worried that I've made a wrong choice with all these rules & how things can only be done THEIR way.


I'm desperate to hear from any parents who have sent their children to IMS HK for a longer period that it does work out better in the long run, and there is hope for a happy & creative child under the Montessori method. Much appreciated.

Rules in Montessori tend to be quite strict. However good teachers see the fine line between enforcing the rules and understanding that these are small children. Good teachers will slowly build the child up until he/she has fun following the rules. This thing with one hand instead of two sounds a bit over the top. At Woodland they are not so strict. They are very patient and understand that kids don't become perfect on day one.


Having said that, it is day one. Typically it takes 2-3 weeks for a toddler to adjust. I'd give it that long and see what happens.


"That's why I sent him to a Montessori school because I heard about how much they respected each child and how they're allowed to choose what they like to do,"


That is how Montessori should work. During "activity time" they can choose their own activity within a framework that ensures respect for others.

axptguy - i hear that IMS HK is quite different from the Woodland monterssouri (which i think your kids are in?) - would be interesting to hear from the parents whose kids have been to both? Cant imagine Woodland one getting so strict that they have to use two hands etc...

Thanks so much axptguy38, I think you're right, it was only day one afterall and I guess I just didn't expect a 2 yr old going to school to be experiencing stress and just couldn't bear to see it. It'll be day 2 tomorrow and I'll remember to keep an open mind.

Hi Cheekster, my 19 mth son started going to Casa dei Bambini, also Montessori-based teaching. I was also very surprised by their "rules of work/play", which is in complete contrast to the "free play" he's used to at playgroups. I even doubted myself for maybe starting him too early. After 2 weeks, I've noticed improvements in his patience & concentration so we started enforcing some of the same rules at home like putting your toys back before moving onto a second toy. He can also now go and get a towel to clean up his own spills. He's starting his new term tmrw & I asked him tonight if he wanted go to school and to see Miss xx and if he does, to clap his hands. Clap clap I got so he must be enjoying it! Give it a few more days.

Thanks so much mumbloxy for sharing your experience, I think sometimes we doubt ourselves so much that we don't give our children enough credits, they do adapt very well don't they? It was my son's 2nd day today and I thought I was going to have to drag him to school but last night when I told him we're going to school today, he was really happy...so sometimes I guess we just don't read them so well. And, I guess I was too quick to judge on Day 1, the teachers were really patient & understanding today....guess day 1 is a bit chaotic for them too with so many newcomers.

Montessori is not for all kids. If your child is shy and quiet and attending the sessions with a helper who speaks very little English, then this system is not helpful.