Lifetime Love of Learning

Since I was pregnant with Dexter I have been thinking about what type of education I would most like my child(ren) to have.  I know, I'm a big nerd, but stay with me here.
My ultimate goal, I said, was that my child would have a lifetime love of learning.  I wasn't sure, and am still not fully sure, if that means public or private school, Classical or homeschool, but I am absolutely sure that if it doesn't foster and build a love of learning in my child, then it just isn't best for our child.

Dorthy Sayers has an excellent article about Classical Education, called The Lost Tools of Learning, that I highly recommend reading.  I am really compelled by some of the issues she brings up, but for her, education doesn't start until age 6+.

That's where Montessori comes in for me.  Maria Montessori originally came up with her philosophy of education in studying methods that were successful with some of Italy's poorest children.  What she found was that intelligence wasn't dependent on income or family structure, but instead found that all young children had the capacity to be naturally curious and, if set free in the right environment with the right boundaries, then every child had the ability to learn and to acquire a love of learning.

The video above is a fun representation of what I am trying to convey.

What is so cool about a true Montessori classroom is the children have set manipulatives they go through, puzzles, games, life skills, etc., that all feel like games and free play for the child.  It taps into the toddler's desire for order (every manipulative they use has a set way you play with it) but also taps into their natural curiosity.

Now, beware that all Montessori is not created equal!!  If you are looking at Montessori school for your child know that all AMI schools are excellent and some AMS schools are good.  If they don't have either of these certifications, than they are not really Montessori (here is a great news story that shares a little about the importance of certification).  Now, don't be scared away by the school website either.  It almost says more about the school if their website is terrible.  Montessori schools aren't traditionally big on technology.

I'll post a few more blogs about this because we have just decided to enrol Dexter in an AMI school here in Houston.  I'll let you know if it is anything like we hope!