Montessori is a very popular way of parenting and educating children, however, it isn't the only approach to child development and learning. The Waldorf Educational Approach is another, one that we include within our 'way' of parenting and supporting Isaac's natural development at home.
Although both Montessori and Waldorf have similar ideologies, there are some differences. I have chosen to outline the key points that I've found from researching them both, however, there is so much more to both of these ways of parenting and educating!
Key Similarities of Montessori & Waldorf:
- Both approaches are holistically designed, with the aim to develop the whole child - including that of their character and personality
- They both take a hands-on approach to learning, putting concrete resources and materials at the forefront
- Both approaches suggest the absence of plastic and battery operated toys, opting instead for resources made from high quality, natural materials
- Montessori and Waldorf suggest a very limited use of technology, if at all
- Both approaches have a deep respect for the child at their core, highlighting that as the adult, we need to give special interest to their needs and the interests
- They both strive to instil a life-long love of learning in the child
Key Differences:
Montessori:
The quote 'Follow the Child' is probably the best representation of the Montessori Method. Montessori is a child-centred approach, and views our job as the adult to observe the child and subsequently adjust the environment to meet their needs and interests.
- The child uses the environment to develop themselves and the adult acts as a guide
- Adults see the child as capable, providing them with independence, freedom within limits and the time to learn and develop at their own pace
- The method fuels children's natural curiosity and innate desire to learn
- Encourages the use of natural materials for the resources, which are self correcting and specific to practicing specific skills
- Montessori suggests the use of purely realistic images and books rather than fantasy until the age of 6, due to birth-6 being the period of the 'absorbent mind' where a child is constructing their understanding of the world around them
- The approach doesn't encourage role/pretend play until the age of 6, again, allowing the child to secure a good understanding of the real world before they're then able to make this more fantastical and abstract
- Core academics such as early reading and mathematics aren't introduced until a child is at least 3
- The Montessori method puts a big emphasis on Practical Life activities
- Accessible environments, such as using child-sized furniture, is a key part of the Montessori approach as this allows the child to be and learn in a safe, yes space
- Montessori highlights the importance of protecting children's concentration
Waldorf:
The Waldorf Educational Approach speaks developing a child's head, heart and hands. It aims to help the child develop independent thinking, foster an emotional connection to their work and their world, as well as contribute to their development and the world around them using their skills.
- Waldorf is a mixture of play-based learning and teacher directed learning
- It fosters the magic of childhood by encouraging lots of creativity
- The approach uses art across the whole curriculum, with emphasis of storytelling and fantasy being a key feature too
- Waldorf encourages hands on learning to build the strongest of brain connections
- The approach deems itself 'all weather', with children encouraged to spend a large amount of time in nature
I hope this brief insight into both approaches has been helpful. At The Know & Play Space, we incorporate a lot of both of these approaches into our environment design, parenting style and play activities. There is no 'right way', just what fits best for you and your family or childcare setting.
Yorumlar