Montessori vs. Reggio Emilia

This article explores the similarities and differences in Montessori vs. Reggio Emilia. It’s worth noting that Montessori is used for all ages, while Reggio Emilia is mostly used for children under 6. So, we will mostly compare Reggio and Montessori for preschool-age children. 

Both Montessori and Reggio Emilia prioritize critical thinking, social skills, and experiential learning. They recognize that children are active learners who thrive in well-prepared environments. However, they also have some key differences. Montessori focuses on presenting lessons with specially designed materials within a carefully prepared environment, while Reggio Emilia takes a more emergent approach, building the curriculum on the go, around the children’s questions and interests.

During my final undergraduate year of college, I became very interested in alternative ways of teaching and learning. I wanted to learn more about the range of educational philosophies out in the world, and with the support of a professor, I created my own independent study course. This allowed me to explore various educational approaches and frameworks, including Montessori, which I fell in love with! It also sparked an interest in learning about other teaching methods, such as Reggio Emilia, which shares some similarities with Montessori.

Table of Contents

• Background and Foundations
  • The Montessori Method
  • The Reggio Emilia Approach
  • Goals and Principles
• Montessori vs. Reggio Emilia
  • The Classroom
  • The Role of the Teacher
  • Curriculum Structure and Application
  • Creativity and Self-Expression
  • The Role of the Parent and the Community
• Montessori vs. Reggio Emilia: Benefits and Limitations
• Conclusion

Background and Foundations

The Montessori Method

The Montessori method is an educational philosophy that focuses on the child’s developmental needs. It was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian doctor and educator, in the early 1900s. In a Montessori classroom, children are encouraged to explore and learn at their own pace, using specific materials and activities that help them build their cognitive, social, and emotional skills. The teacher acts as a guide and facilitator, presenting hands-on materials in a very specific and intentional way and according to their Montessori training, observing each child’s progress, and providing support when needed. The goal is to help children become independent, self-disciplined, and passionate about learning.

The Reggio Emilia Approach

The Reggio Emilia approach is another learning model that originated in Italy after World War II. Its focus is on collaboration, creativity, and emergent learning. This approach believes that children are capable learners who can initiate their own learning experience through expressing themselves in various ways. They might draw, build, act out scenarios, or make music to communicate their thoughts and ideas. In a Reggio Emilia classroom, children work together on projects they’re interested in, and the teacher provides a rich and stimulating environment that encourages creative expression and problem-solving. The classroom itself is considered a “third teacher,” and the learning process is documented through photos, videos, and children’s work to share with families and the community. 

Goals and Principles

Both Montessori and Reggio Emilia methods are based on the idea that learners create their own knowledge and understanding through their experiences and interactions. Maria Montessori was a pioneer in early childhood education, advocating for a child-centered approach that encouraged independent learning in a prepared environment. Loris Malaguzzi and the Reggio Emilia educators developed a collaborative approach that focuses on relationships, collective experiences, and play-based learning.

Montessori principles include:

• A prepared environment
• Hands-on, didactic materials
• Active, self-directed learning (within a sequenced curriculum) 

Reggio Emilia principles include:

• Emergent curriculum (responsive to children’s interests)
• Project-based learning (collaboration and problem-solving)
• Environment as the “third teacher”

Montessori provides the opportunity for children to work independently within a community of peers on varying, self-chosen materials that have been carefully presented to them by their Montessori guide. Reggio Emilia, on the other hand, emphasizes a spontaneous, collaborative, and group-learning approach. 

At the heart of both methods lies a deep commitment to child-centered learning. Despite their differences, each approach prioritizes the child’s role in the educational process. Both recognize the importance of respecting children as capable learners and the teacher as a facilitator. Understanding these principles provides insight into the unique approaches and how they foster children’s growth and development.

Montessori vs. Reggio Emilia

The Classroom

Both Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches foster an inviting and supportive learning environment, but they differ in the “how” of their approach. Both approaches share a common goal of creating an environment that is child-centered, beautiful, and conducive to learning. They recognize that the physical environment plays a vital role in shaping children’s learning experiences and aim to create spaces that inspire curiosity, creativity, and exploration.

Montessori classrooms are designed to help children learn independently. The room is divided into specific areas with materials and activities that support learning and development. The materials are carefully arranged to allow children to explore and discover at their own pace, with minimal teacher intervention. Montessori classrooms feature specially designed materials that are carefully crafted to promote independent learning and skill-building. These materials are often made of natural materials like wood and are designed to be self-correcting, allowing children to learn through trial and error.

Reggio Emilia classrooms, on the other hand, are dynamic and adapt to the changing interests and needs of children. The environment emphasizes expressive arts and materials may change based on the children’s interests and themes. The classroom is seen as a “third teacher” that fosters collaboration, creativity, and exploration. Many Reggio schools have an “Atelier,” or studio, where children explore various mediums as a means of artistic expression. In contrast to Montessori, Reggio Emilia classrooms take a more flexible and adaptable approach to materials and resources. While they also emphasize natural materials and aesthetically pleasing environments, they incorporate a wider range of materials and resources, often sourced from the community and local environment. This might include recycled materials, natural objects, and open-ended materials that encourage creativity and exploration.

By using natural materials, incorporating natural light, and promoting a sense of calm and order, both Montessori and Reggio Emilia classrooms aim to create an atmosphere that fosters a love of learning and supports children’s development.

The Role of the Teacher

The teacher’s role also differs between the two approaches.

In Montessori classrooms, teachers act as guides, supporting children’s self-directed learning by observing their interests and abilities.

In Reggio Emilia classrooms, teachers are co-learners and partners in the learning process, engaging in dialogue and exploration alongside children.

Curriculum Structure and Application

Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches have different ways of structuring their curriculum.

Montessori classrooms use a consistent and gradual approach, with materials and activities designed to support learning and development at each stage. The materials and activities are carefully planned to build on each other, allowing children to progress at their own pace and deeply understand concepts and skills.

Reggio Emilia classrooms, on the other hand, develop their curriculum based on children’s interests and needs at the moment. They emphasize project-based learning, where children work together on long-term projects that come from their own questions and curiosities. The curriculum is open-ended and flexible, allowing children to explore and express themselves creatively through various media and materials.

Both approaches believe that children construct their own knowledge and understanding through hands-on activities and experiences.

In Montessori classrooms, this is achieved through carefully designed materials and activities that allow children to explore and discover concepts and skills on their own. The teacher provides support and guidance as needed, but the focus is on self-directed learning.

In Reggio Emilia classrooms, children take the lead in their learning, and educators work with them to explore and investigate topics of interest. The focus is on the process, not the product and children are encouraged to express themselves creatively through various media and materials.

While Montessori and Reggio Emilia share similarities in their commitment to child-centered learning and constructivist principles, they differ in their approach to curriculum structure and implementation.

Montessori’s approach is more structured and sequential, focusing on individual learning and carefully designed materials and activities.

Reggio Emilia’s approach is driven by children’s questions and curiosities, focusing on collaborative learning and materials and resources for exploration and discovery.

Despite these differences, both approaches respect children as capable learners and recognize the teacher’s role as a facilitator and guide in the learning process. By understanding the unique principles and practices of each approach, educators and parents can appreciate the diverse ways to support and nurture children’s growth and development.

It’s worth noting that while Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches differ in approach during the preschool years, the Reggio approach at the preschool level shares some similarities with Montessori at the elementary level. Montessori elementary programs place a greater emphasis on collaborative learning experiences, which aligns with the Reggio Emilia approach. Both encourage children to learn through hands-on activities, group work, and projects. 

This shift in Montessori elementary programs reflects Maria Montessori’s observations about the psychological characteristics of elementary-age children. She noted that children around age 6 begin to develop their imagination and a group instinct, moving from working independently to collaborating with peers. After learning something new, students can engage in “follow-up work,”  that shows what they learned. This work can be a model, a drawing, or something creative that helps to cement what they learned. 

In contrast, children under 6 in Montessori environments tend to work in parallel, focusing on individual tasks. Their work is contained on trays that they select from shelves, and the work encourages purposeful, intentional movements that help develop concentration and fine motor coordination. 

Creativity and Self-Expression

Both Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches value creativity, but their methods differ. Montessori has a structured and individualized approach using sequenced materials, while Reggio Emilia has a more flexible, community-focused approach emphasizing collaborative learning. Each system adapts well to diverse learners, ensuring an inclusive and effective educational experience. 

Reggio Emilia education places a strong emphasis on creativity, particularly through expressive arts like painting, drawing, sculpture, and music. These art forms are essential channels for children to communicate their thoughts, emotions, and ideas. The approach fosters an environment of spontaneous creative expression, with children encouraged to freely explore materials and ideas, guided and supported by their teachers. Reggio Emilia embraces a process called “documentation,” which involves capturing detailed accounts of children’s experiences, interactions, and creative processes to understand their learning journey and thinking processes.

In Montessori during the early childhood years, creativity is encouraged through exploration with the Montessori materials, which promote independent learning and exploration. The environment is prepared with various activities, including art and music, that allow children to experiment and express themselves artistically. This exploration also includes developing creative problem-solving abilities as children learn to approach challenges with innovative solutions. Montessori educators observe and record children’s interactions with the learning environment to understand their developmental progress and tailor their learning path accordingly.

The Role of the Parent and the Community

Both Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches believe that parents and the community play a vital role in a child’s learning and development. They recognize that children learn and grow through their relationships and interactions with the adults around them and that parental and community involvement is essential for creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

In Montessori education, parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s learning through regular conferences, progress reports, and volunteer opportunities. Parents are seen as partners in the learning process and are encouraged to support their child’s learning both at home and in the classroom. Although parents are welcome to observe their children in the Montessori classroom, they are typically encouraged to do so as quiet observers rather than active participants. Montessori schools often provide parent education programs and workshops to help parents understand the Montessori philosophy and how they can support their child’s learning at home.

In Reggio Emilia education, parents and the community are more deeply involved in the learning process. Parents are seen as co-learners and collaborators, working alongside teachers and children to explore and investigate topics of interest. Parents are encouraged to participate in project work and documentation, sharing their own knowledge and expertise and contributing to the collective learning of the community. Parent education programs and workshops are also valued at Reggio Emila schools. 

Research has shown that parental and community involvement has a positive impact on children’s learning and development. When parents and communities are actively engaged in the learning process, children tend to have better academic outcomes, stronger social skills, and higher levels of motivation and engagement. Both Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches help to reinforce key traits, such as independence, self-directed learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving, by involving parents and communities in the learning process.

Montessori vs. Reggio Emilia: Benefits and Limitations

Both Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches have their benefits and limitations.

Montessori education helps children develop agency and self-motivation by allowing them to make choices and learn at their own pace with minimal adult intervention. This works well for children who are independent and self-directed. However, Montessori schools require specialized teacher training and materials, which can be expensive and hard to access. Some critics of Montessori education believe that it can be too structured and doesn’t allow for enough creativity in early childhood years.

Reggio Emilia education, on the other hand, focuses on creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through project-based learning and documentation. This approach lets children explore and express their own ideas and interests, which works well for children who like to engage in open-ended activities in small group settings. However, Reggio Emilia schools don’t have a set curriculum or framework, which can make them vary widely without a clear direction. Additionally, Reggio Emilia also requires teacher training, support, and strong parental and community involvement, which can be challenging for schools and families with limited resources or time.

In short, both approaches have their strengths and challenges. Montessori education excels at fostering self-discipline and concentration in children, but it can be costly and may seem overly structured to those new to the approach, potentially presenting a barrier to understanding, adoption, and implementation. Reggio Emilia education fosters creativity and collaboration but lacks a clear curriculum.  This can be a concern for parents who prefer a more traditional approach to learning, where teachers provide clear guidance and instruction. Some parents might worry that the Reggio Emilia method gives too much freedom to children and not enough direction.

Conclusion

Despite differences, both approaches prioritize adapting to diverse learners’ needs, recognizing each child’s uniqueness and individualized learning requirements.

Understanding these differences helps educators and families make informed choices about which approach aligns with their values and priorities. Some may prefer Montessori’s more structured approach and individualized learning, while others may prefer Reggio Emilia’s more spontaneous and group-oriented approach.

In the end, both educational philosophies offer valuable ideas and strategies for creating engaging learning environments that support children’s overall development. By combining the strengths of both approaches and adapting them to meet the unique needs of each learning community, educators and families can create a rich and nurturing learning experience for all children.