I know enough that I would believe in any of these philosophies, and I know there are more than the three I mentioned, more than I believe in the one-size-fits-all model of our public schools. However, I don't feel confident enough to explain to someone else the differences between the three. So in case you're like me, here's a cheat.
It is possible this only applies to preschools. In addition, while waldorf schools have to be 'certified,' montessori schools do not so there is likely to be some variation in the philosophies of individual montessori schools. You would be hard pressed to find a reggio emilia preschool as they are much less plentiful than either montessori or waldorf.
**Montessori**
Self-correcting work such as puzzles. The teacher does not provide the reinforcement, the item being worked with does. Often the manipulatives, as the 'tools' or 'toys' are called, can be progressive. So if a child finishes one, there is a harder one waiting.
Mixed age classrooms which also allows for the teacher to stay with the students for more than one year. Typically, three years of ages would be together in one classroom. Younger students benefit from the mentoring of older kids and older kids get to practice being good role models (boosting their confidence and self esteem in the process).
The kids work at their own pace and at their own level. You would not find the phrase 'grade 2 level' stamped on anything in a Montessori classroom.
In addition, the activities and environment can be tailored to the individual child's interests.
**Waldorf**
You will find the same mixed age classrooms here with the teacher staying on for the duration.
Play based learning as well but there would be a schedule in place. For example, Monday be baking day and Wednesday may be gardening day.
Speaking of gardening, waldorf students spend much time outside, throughout the changing seasons.
A waldorf classroom would have wooden and natural materials, as a montessori classroom would as well, however a waldorf room would have no technology.
There is no emphasis on grading or traditional academic work but a heavy one on reading as the skills needed to do so are first introduced in the 'first grade.'
**Reggio Emilia**'
Similar to Montessori in the sense that teachers are seen as guides, there only to facilitate the child's learning, not to control or direct it.
Also employs mixed age classrooms with the environment playing a huge role.
Another aspect of Reggio Emilia philosophy that I love, and that I see all the time in my online 'unschooling' groups, is the building upon one simple question. If the class was taking a walk and a question was raised on something, anything really, but let's say the shape of a particular cloud in the sky, the student (class) would be encouraged to look it up together. This will usually snowball into learning about the different types of clouds, how each is formed, the function of each, etc.
In my experience, at least, in most public schools, the answer would be given and the class would move on. This is completely understandable due to the nature of public school but it is less than ideal, in my opinion.
Now if you are anything like me, you understand the tenets of each philosophy but you fail to see huge, gaping differences between them. And I am too fried to see the minutiae. I do see that Waldorf follows more of a schedule and that outdoor play is huge. Montessori emphasizes self correction and Reggio Emilia is willing to follow the day where it leads, be it clouds or otherwise.
However, for my purposes, this is fine. I know that any time I see any of the philosophies' names on a facebook page, group, yard sale site, newspaper article, homeschooling information, it's for me. Hopefully, for you too as well. :-)
It is possible this only applies to preschools. In addition, while waldorf schools have to be 'certified,' montessori schools do not so there is likely to be some variation in the philosophies of individual montessori schools. You would be hard pressed to find a reggio emilia preschool as they are much less plentiful than either montessori or waldorf.
**Montessori**
Self-correcting work such as puzzles. The teacher does not provide the reinforcement, the item being worked with does. Often the manipulatives, as the 'tools' or 'toys' are called, can be progressive. So if a child finishes one, there is a harder one waiting.
Mixed age classrooms which also allows for the teacher to stay with the students for more than one year. Typically, three years of ages would be together in one classroom. Younger students benefit from the mentoring of older kids and older kids get to practice being good role models (boosting their confidence and self esteem in the process).
The kids work at their own pace and at their own level. You would not find the phrase 'grade 2 level' stamped on anything in a Montessori classroom.
In addition, the activities and environment can be tailored to the individual child's interests.
**Waldorf**
You will find the same mixed age classrooms here with the teacher staying on for the duration.
Play based learning as well but there would be a schedule in place. For example, Monday be baking day and Wednesday may be gardening day.
Speaking of gardening, waldorf students spend much time outside, throughout the changing seasons.
A waldorf classroom would have wooden and natural materials, as a montessori classroom would as well, however a waldorf room would have no technology.
There is no emphasis on grading or traditional academic work but a heavy one on reading as the skills needed to do so are first introduced in the 'first grade.'
**Reggio Emilia**'
Similar to Montessori in the sense that teachers are seen as guides, there only to facilitate the child's learning, not to control or direct it.
Also employs mixed age classrooms with the environment playing a huge role.
Another aspect of Reggio Emilia philosophy that I love, and that I see all the time in my online 'unschooling' groups, is the building upon one simple question. If the class was taking a walk and a question was raised on something, anything really, but let's say the shape of a particular cloud in the sky, the student (class) would be encouraged to look it up together. This will usually snowball into learning about the different types of clouds, how each is formed, the function of each, etc.
In my experience, at least, in most public schools, the answer would be given and the class would move on. This is completely understandable due to the nature of public school but it is less than ideal, in my opinion.
Now if you are anything like me, you understand the tenets of each philosophy but you fail to see huge, gaping differences between them. And I am too fried to see the minutiae. I do see that Waldorf follows more of a schedule and that outdoor play is huge. Montessori emphasizes self correction and Reggio Emilia is willing to follow the day where it leads, be it clouds or otherwise.
However, for my purposes, this is fine. I know that any time I see any of the philosophies' names on a facebook page, group, yard sale site, newspaper article, homeschooling information, it's for me. Hopefully, for you too as well. :-)
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/wooden-abc-123-learning-blocks