The Montessori method was established earlier than Reggio Emilia—in 1907. Reggio Emilia emerged in the post-war period in 1945. Both approaches have Italian roots, but that is far from their only shared feature. When comparing Montessori vs. Reggio Emilia, it’s important to understand that both approaches aim to nurture a holistic and harmonious personality, each offering its unique advantages. Loris Malaguzzi, the teacher who proposed the Reggio Emilia approach, focused on addressing the specific needs of children in the post-war era. The primary goal was to provide children with as much care as possible and help them grow into well-rounded individuals.
Let’s compare Montessori and Reggio Emilia to understand their similarities and differences and which style of education might be better suited to specific needs.
Unique Benefits of the Montessori Method
Maria Montessori developed her method primarily to work with children with special needs. It later turned out that her principles were universal and worked equally well for typically developing kids. The educational approach originated when Montessori began working with children who had developmental challenges and noticed that their classrooms were inadequately prepared. They lacked sufficient toys, educational materials, and an environment tailored to kids’s needs.
Starting from these observations, Montessori created a comprehensive system that transformed classrooms for children with special needs, achieving remarkable results. After a year of working with her approach, these kids caught up with their peers and even outperformed them in some areas, which brought significant attention to the method.
What makes it special?
Maria Montessori started by organizing the environment into zones: speech development, mathematics, culture, art, and sensory activities. Each zone was designed so kids could use it independently without adult assistance (e.g., low furniture, open shelves).
Additionally, Montessori allowed each child to learn at their own pace. She noticed that while some students grasped and processed material quickly, others needed more time and focused effort. This led to the introduction of child-centered learning, where kids progress at their own speed. Each new topic was explored only after the previous one was thoroughly mastered. The progression from simple to complex ensured that knowledge was not acquired chaotically, preventing kids from becoming overwhelmed.
To maintain order in the classroom, Montessori allowed each child to work independently, choosing activities based on their preferences, interests, and developmental level.
As a result, children become independent and confident, gaining a better understanding of their strengths and interests. Another critical aspect of independence in the Montessori method is the ability to perform practical daily tasks (e.g., watering plants, making a bed, feeding pets, fastening clothes, and tying shoes). Practical life activities are an essential part of the Montessori approach, conducted in a safe and controlled environment.
Unique Advantages of the Reggio Emilia Method
The Reggio Emilia method is also child-centered but approaches learning differently. In the Montessori system, learning is divided into distinct categories: mathematics, speech, culture, sensory activities, and practical life. In contrast, Reggio Emilia employs project-based learning. This means a single topic is explored from multiple perspectives and angles.
For instance, when studying the seasons, a child might draw the changes, express them through dance, count leaves, snowflakes, or flowers, and describe them in words.
The foundation of the Reggio Emilia approach lies in creativity and teamwork with teachers, parents, and peers. Collaboration and communication allow kids to explore a topic comprehensively. The curriculum is highly flexible and follows the child’s interests. Achievements and progress are documented to track development and growth.
Montessori vs. Reggio: Common Features and Distinctions
There is a great deal of overlap between these two methodologies, so the contrast between Montessori vs. Reggio is not overly drastic. Both approaches are child-centered and recognize the importance of interaction with the surrounding environment.
The Child at the Center of the Educational System
Both methods are aimed at following the child. The difference lies in how this is achieved: in Montessori, it happens in a controlled environment and within a structured framework, while Reggio Emilia is more flexible, allowing the child to experiment and explore freely.
The Environment
In both systems, the child’s environment plays a critical role. In Montessori, the environment is carefully prepared in advance to meet the child’s needs. In Reggio Emilia, the environment must be constantly adapted and changed as the child develops and displays new interests.
For instance, if a child shows an increased interest in drawing, they may be provided with an easel. If they express themselves through dance, the space is organized for appropriate activities. In Montessori classrooms, everything is divided into functional zones, and changes are introduced not so much to align with shifting interests as to meet the child’s physical, educational, and developmental needs.
Experiments with Materials
Both approaches encourage children to explore the world around them actively, experiment, and try new things. They emphasize that it’s better to show and let the child experience something practically than to explain it multiple times.
For example, instead of simply describing how water can be hot or cold or transform into steam or ice, you can invite the child into the kitchen. Provide bottles of water at different temperatures—ranging from cold to warm—and allow them to touch and feel the difference. You can also take ice out of the freezer for the child to play with or carefully show how boiling water turns into steam. These practical experiences will be remembered and understood much better.
Supportive Learning Atmosphere
In both cases, it is crucial that the child is introduced to new concepts and acquires knowledge without pressure. Encouragement, support, and acknowledgment of achievements are key, while criticism, focusing on failures, or scolding are strictly avoided.
Both methods also eliminate traditional grading systems, as the primary focus is on the child’s development and progress as a person, rather than reaching a specific benchmark.
Distinctive Features
Although the differences in comparing Montessori vs. Reggio may seem subtle, the two systems have unique traits that distinguish them from one another.
Age Groups
In Montessori classrooms, kids of mixed ages learn together. Older children help younger ones, while younger children take inspiration from their older peers, learning by example. This system teaches kids of various ages to interact well with each other, reflecting the diversity of age groups in society.
In contrast, the Reggio Emilia approach organizes learning groups by age, focusing on peers of the same developmental stage.
The age categories for each method also differ:
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Montessori from birth through adolescence. However, certain principles remain relevant even for older students, such as gradual learning, nurturing individual talents, and progressing from simple to complex concepts.
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Reggio Emilia primarily focuses on preschool and early elementary-aged children.
The Role of the Teacher
In the Montessori approach, the teacher observes the learning process, provides guidance, cares for each student, and identifies their unique inclinations and interests, focusing on nurturing their strengths.
In Reggio Emilia, the teacher acts as a partner and co-researcher. They experiment alongside the children, offering support to the group as a whole.
Structure of the Curriculum
Montessori education emphasizes teaching kids to be independent. As a result, children often work individually, each at their own pace.
In Reggio Emilia, the group works together. Furthermore, parents and even the broader community are actively involved in the learning process. For example, it is common for an entire group to visit a store to learn how to shop. Everyone who might have a connection to the project is involved in its execution.
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Montessori education is structured around key subjects: language and literacy, basic mathematics, cultural education, creativity, and practical skills.
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In Reggio Emilia, each school day is centered around a specific theme, explored from various angles, primarily through collaborative projects and creative activities.
Which Educational Style to Choose?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. It is crucial to base your decision on your personal parental vision and approach to education, as the method should resonate with your inner sense of “what feels right.” Moreover, you can simply take the best elements from both methods and combine them.
If you are choosing a preschool that follows either method, you might consider which teachers you find more appealing or which environment feels cozier to you.
It’s impossible to declare one method better than the other based solely on their principles. They each have their unique characteristics. However, their goal is the same: to provide kids with tools that instill a lifelong love for learning, exploring new things, courage, and confidence in their abilities, ultimately shaping well-rounded and harmonious individuals.