Reggio Emilia vs. Montessori

Table of Contents

• Reggio Emilia
• Montessori
• Differences and similarities

Reggio Emilia

General idea

The approach supports learning through play, discovery, interdependence and socio-cultural learning. This is achieved through a balance of self-guided and peer or adult-led learning.

The key principles of the approach are:

• Collaborative, self-guided learning
• A project-based approach
• Interactions and relationships
• Age groups

Both adult and child-led

The direction of education is guided though both adult and child-led learning. Teachers play multiple roles and are responsive to the context and needs of the learner.

Hands-on discovery

Hands on discovery is a hugely important part of the Reggio Emilia approach. This is symbolised by the ‘100 languages of children‘ – a metaphor that describes the infinite number of ways that children can express themselves.

Classroom

The focus is on pleasing aesthetics, a welcoming and warm atmosphere, learning being made visible through displays of the children’s artwork and projects, and is light and airy. Each child has easy access to all learning materials.

Montessori

The key principles of Montessori education are as follows:

• Self-guided learning
• Uninterrupted work time
• Focuses on the child as a whole
• Learning tools
• Mixed age spanning 3 years

Role of the teacher

Montessori teachers play an unobtrusive role – one that sees them directing the education of their students without excessive interference.

Classroom

Montessori classrooms are more structured, with areas dedicated to specific activities.

Differences and similarities

Curriculim differences: emergent vs structured

One of the key differences is that the Reggio Emilia approach has an emergent curriculum, whereas Montessori is more structured. The former is a kindergarten (pre-prep) educational approach, whereas Montessori schools extend from 3 years to adolescent age (12-15).

Philosophy vs curriculum

The Reggio Emilia approach is a philosophy, not a curriculum and, unlike the Montessori approach, there is no accreditation process for schools to be inspired by.

Classroom

Montessori classrooms are more structured, with areas dedicated to specific activities. Similar to that of Reggio Emilia classrooms, furniture is scaled to be size appropriate for the age-range. Children use tables or the floor rather than desks.

Origin and education age

Both are educational approaches that hail from Italy. Both philosophies promote self-guided learning. Reggio Emilia focuses on kindergarten (pre-prep) education, Montessori is also found up to schools of adolescent age (12-15 years).

Teachers

Reggio Emilia teachers are considered to be co-learners. Montessori teachers act as directors of education.