Montessori, Reggio & Waldorf
Parents often wonder what the differences are between Montessori, Reggio, and Waldorf preschool philosophies. Here is a brief summary and comparison of the three:
| Montessori | Reggio | Waldorf | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founder | Dr. Maria Montessori, early 1900s | Loris Malaguzzi, post-WWII | Rudolf Steiner, early 1900s |
| Learning | Individualized, self-directed activity | Child-centered and collaborative | Holistic approach |
| Pace | Encourages self-paced learning | Emergent curriculum based on child’s interests | Emphasis on play and imagination |
| Curriculum | Practical life skills, sensorial exploration, language, mathematics, and cultural studies | Project-based, emergent, with documentation | Academic subjects and artistic and practical activities |
| Teachers | Guides and facilitators | Co-learners and collaborators | Stay with class for several years |
| Focus | Freedom within limits | Child’s interests and curiosities | Intellectual, artistic, and practical skills |
Montessori
- Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900s.
- Focuses on individualized learning and self-directed activity.
- Children are given freedom within limits and are encouraged to learn at their own pace.
- Curriculum includes practical life skills, sensorial exploration, language, mathematics, and cultural studies.
- Teachers act as guides and facilitators, rather than lecturers.
Reggio
- Developed in the town of Reggio Emilia, Italy, after World War II.
- Focuses on child-centered and collaborative learning.
- Children are viewed as capable and competent, with their interests and curiosities driving the curriculum.
- Curriculum is often project-based and emergent, with teachers documenting the children’s learning process.
- Teachers act as co-learners and collaborators with the children.
Waldorf
- Developed by Rudolf Steiner in the early 1900s.
- Focuses on a holistic approach to education that addresses the intellectual, artistic, and practical skills of the child.
- Curriculum includes academic subjects, as well as activities such as music, art, and movement.
- Teachers stay with the same class for several years in order to build strong relationships with the students and create a stable learning environment.
- Emphasizes the importance of play and imagination in learning.
Each of these philosophies has unique characteristics and approaches to early childhood education. However, they all emphasize child-centered learning and encourage children to learn at their own pace. Choosing the right one for your child is a personal decision that should be based on your family’s values and goals.