Maybe you have a child that is rapidly approaching preschool age or you have just heard these words before and are wondering what is that? I've got you covered!
Montessori
Let's begin here! Dr. Maria Montessori formed the Montessori framework in Italy, with the belief that all children should have access to quality schooling no matter their socioeconomic status.
In Montessori schools you will find younger children mixed with older, as multi-age groups foster peer learning. Children learn so much from their peers, and will follow the example modeled from older children.
Usually the teacher of a Montessori classroom will stay with the same students for at least three years to develop a strong student-teacher relationship. Teachers are also thought of more as guides.
Certain materials are used in the classroom in this prepared environment learning style. Montessori schools are arranged by the environment. For example in one large room you may find sections for gardening, cooking, cleaning, sewing, art, reading, crafts or creating a certain project, and/or animal care.
A child is never confined to a desk and there is no time limit for how long a chid can spend in one area. This is very different from traditional models of schooling especially in the United States for preschools which will have timed "centers"!
A Montessori teacher must have certification/credentials! If they don't and they are promoting that they are, take your business elsewhere! There are now over 8,000 schools in the USA alone.
Waldorf/Steiner
Fun fact Waldorf methodology was created by Rudolph Steiner, who was commissioned by the Waldorf-Astoria Cigarette Company to lecture factory workers on education. He was then asked to create a school for their children. Thus the Waldorf/Steiner method was born!
Waldorf is play based learning style. While Montessori is play based, there is structure to the learning environment that is arranged. For Waldorf a lot of time is spent outside and children are exposed to gardening, baking, woodworking.
The skills needed to build and sustain a society are introduced in Waldorf schooling. Children learn how to rely and communicate with one another.
Subjects are experienced versus taught, and teachers once again play the role of guide like they do in Montessori schooling.
Waldorf teachers will stay with the same group of students for eight years, and Waldorf schools are structured for k-12 learning.
While you will find a focus on art, reading, and arithmetic, you will only find them in a practical manner until the age of 7 as math and reading are not formally introduced until then. An example of a practical application for math would be if a group of students decides on a nature walk that they want to build a shelter, they will need to perform mathematical functions. Instead of a teacher telling the students that is not something they can do, they will likely be encouraged by their teacher/guide to see their goal come to fruition- the words "why" and "how" are never shunned!
There are no standardized tests or grades as you would find in other schooling systems. Teachers instead document progress with photos and videos in conjunction with written reports. Worried about your child being able to get into college or university? Colleges look for students that have a well rounded complete education which Waldorf provides. A lot of successful people are Waldorf graduates: CEO of American Express, actresses Anna Paquin, Jennifer Anniston and Sandra Bullock are also all graduates.
Finally is that Rudolph Steiner was a noted philosopher. He invented anthroposophy, which he referred to as the "scientific exploration of the spiritual world." Philosophy and spirituality are an unseen but present undercurrent of the Waldorf classroom. Waldorf schools are non-denominational!
Reggio Emilia
Reggio Emilia is child centered and project based! Children are encouraged to learn in many different ways. You may hear the term "100 languages" which refers to the multitude of ways that children learn. Think use of all their senses!
Unlike Waldorf and Montessori schools, Reggio Emilia does not require teacher training requirements or certification. You will hear schools that are "inspired by Reggio Emilia." Any school can learn from this approach and adopt it's style.
Environment is the third teacher! In Reggio Emilia inspired schools you will often find the work of the child pinned up on the walls for inspiration and encouragement.
Emphasis and collaboration is put on teacher, student, and family. This often translates into communication from teacher to parent multiple times a week via phone or e-mail to not only give updates but to receive input from the parents as well.
Small classes are a hallmark of Reggio Emilia inspired schools! No 30+ students here.
Reggio Emilia inspired schools are only for early childhood. Toddlers and preschool only!
I hope this helped at bit! As you can see there are a lot of similarities but each have their own vibe. Let me know if you have any questions or what your favorite is! I personally love Waldorf schooling but implement Montessori themes and tools when homeschooling.