MONTESSORI vs REGGIO EMILIA // Key Similarities & Differences

[@jenaparsons]

Former teacher in a Reggio-Emilia inspired school here and you did a great job representing the basic differences! My one add would be that because of the emergent curriculum, it is common for all subjects to be woven together around whatever topic is being learned. So math, science, history, language arts, art, etc aren’t taught separately. For example, if students are interested in kites then they may use the scientific method to predict which will be most successful as they experiment with different fabrics and structures in making their own kites. They’ll read stories about various cultures who have celebrations or a unique culture around kite flying to gain inspiration for designing their kite. They’ll incorporate mathematics through measurement, geometry, data collection and analysis. It won’t always happen that every subject is covered or touched upon but it’s common for them to all be incorporated in some way.

[@adriannavanoyen]

I absolutely love that interdisciplinary approach!

[@teocola2652]

Wow! I think that's great!!

[@susanspianostudio7057]

I think today homeschoolers call this approach unit studies.

[@jenaparsons]

@@susanspianostudio7057 Yes. I’m familiar with the unit study homeschooling approach and the integrated nature is similar. I’d say the main difference is the constructivist pedagogy that drives Reggio-Emilia instruction. What is being studied and the length of the study is very student-directed. I would say it’s somewhere between unit studies and unschooling in that way.

[@susanspianostudio7057]

@@jenaparsons Thank you!

[@rowantree1197]

OMG! I am an adult, but I wanted to LIVE in these Reggio-Emilia rooms with countless art supplies. Looks like heaven!

[@alessandrasmota]

For 8 years I was a 95% Montessori enthusiast with 5% RIE. When I had my first kid 2 years ago, I put him on a Montessori Nido, and I don't regret it. But I have felt that a lot of Montessori materials for home use (Lovevery, Monti Kids) were getting redundant (the school was also using some of them) and honestly they were not captivating my child like they promised. They were materials with begging/middle/end and control of error. I honestly felt deceived by the promise that these types of materials would be more engaging than plastic toys with lights. I do rotate the toys, only 6-7 out at a time. The usage and re-usage is just not quite there to be worth the investment. I was disappointed with the close ended materials. Then a friend asked me what I thought about Waldorf or Reggio. I said I didn't know enough to have an opinion, but gave her the reasons that I chose Montessori. That friend's question ( or provocation!!! 😜) led me to re-watch these videos you made. This time I had different eyes and a bit more experience with Montessori at home. It sparked an idea that finally got me out of that dogmatic view I had of Montessori. I deepened my research on Reggio (Waldorf was not as captivating because of excessive use of fantasy and pretend play with wooden *expensive!* toys) and found Reggio to potentially be the best compliment to Montessori's lack of open ended materials. I honestly believe now that Montessori should stay in a classroom, the materials are way too expensive for a few times use. In a classroom they will get much more love with multiple children and serve their educational purpose. I decided to keep my kid at his very authentic Montessori school and apply Reggio at home, by having a construction area and also an atelier area, both with loose parts and projects with provocations whenever I can on weekends. Now I watched this video a third time after I deepened my research and yes you pretty much nailed it!!

[@alessandrasmota]

I also got very disappointed with Montessori-inspired toys for infants (mobiles e rattles). I learned from RIE in-person classes that everything in our environment is interesting, we don't need to go out of our way to find things for babies. I wish I listened, because it was so true. My son barely looked at his Munari, or Octahedron or Gobbi mobiles. He was more interested in a crack on a wall or a sticker. His favorite rattle was made of plastic, not the wooden ones. I hate that he throws the wooden balls, when I try to teach him we can throw balls (schema) but not the wooden ones he doesn't understand. So I had to remove all of those for infant/toddler stage (which made most toys from Monti Kids useless). The object permanence drawer was a big fail, he never grasped all those steps to close and open the drawer again, so confusing! Best toys: open ended ones. The Schleich animals were always a hit. During the after school portion, he plays with Legos Duplos and they say that he loves it.... I honestly feel dumb.... Regret being part of this consumist society that tells us that we need things that we don't need. Kudos to Reggio Emilia for using materials from nature and recycled materials!! G E N I U S. 😅 New me: let's collect trash and play!!! 😂

[@nicolebest8193]

My youngest son attended a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool. They had mixed age classrooms. Not only did they have an atelier, they also has a dedicated atelierista or a dedicated art teacher. Each morning they would have a morning meeting with the children and the teacher and the meeting could be 20 minutes or sometimes up to 40 minutes. It was out of these meetings that the topics for the curriculum was born. At the end of the year they would usually have the children write, prepare, and perform a play. However, the first year my son was at the school they instead did an art show. It was amazing to see such talented preschoolers. I'd highly recommend a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool, if you have a choice.

[@sakisgirl1]

I’m interested in the mixed ages. I work at a preschool that has tried mixing some ages, and parents aren’t happy with that approach.

[@balesshippolova]

Really like that you state the facts, and not much opinions. When I was searching Montessori versus Waldorf I definitely came across a few opinionated videos.

[@whatheavensaid]

I attended a Montessori school as a child and I taught in a Reggio Emilia school as an adult. I have profound love and respect for both approaches!

[@AndreiFantastic]

I find Montessori people to be cultish and kind of scary haha so I was also grateful for the neutral stance of this video

[@whossoul]

Thank you for talking about the Reggio Emilia approach! So few people know about it, I didn't even learn about it till I went to college for childhood education and development. Personally it's my favorite because I feel like it takes the best things from Montessori and Waldorf and combines them with other great concepts. It was also the favorite of all my professors who were quick to bring up how ahead of his time Malaguzzi was because essentially all his ideas have now been proven accurate by modern psychology. Some of my favorite moments from teaching was going down rabbit holes with kids when something sparked their interest. Us teachers would be tearing our classroom apart, rearranging furniture, running to other classrooms to find what we needed, or making a quick run to Target during nap time just to make an expirement they wanted to try happen. Seeing that spark of wonder in their eyes though, seeing how validated they felt that we would derail everything to let them explore their ideas, and seeing that love of learning grow were always the moments that made me remember why I love kids and why I went into teaching! I think there's only one thing you didn't represent completely accurately. While sometimes we do ask questions it's all about knowing when to. If they have that in the zone lazer focus then that's not the time to ask a question or even involve yourself. Independent play without teacher involvement is still stressed. After graduating I went on to work at my colleges lab school where new students would get to work with kids under guidance with us teachers. One of the first things we had to teach new teachers to do was to not always step in, don't immediately run to help when they're struggling, don't insert yourself into their play when they are in the zone.

[@emmastoelk2132]

@whossoul, Im in college and just learned about the Reggio approach last year and I really love the balance that is has. The only issue I have is that find Reggio schools are harder to find and their less Reggio Jobs available .

[@veronicafensel926]

If I were a child, the Reggio-Emilia approach would definitely seem more appealing to me! Also the classrooms do seem more inviting. I think maybe a blend of the two might be ideal for my plans to homeschool

[@tvbot1984]

That’s what my entire classroom is and I live it

[@Mercedes4633]

Same!

[@mensanfoli9005]

Same here, can't wait to be a Dad

[@d0ttiej]

I always thought montesorri was too bland so yeah mixing the two would be ideal.

[@Tracydot3]

I'm a Reggio teacher, you did a great job talking about the similarities and differences between Reggio and Montessori. One thing I wanted to add is that children also have water play which is really important and fun for younger kids as well as a light room with a light table and projector where kids can experiment with how light affects different materials. I noticed that my more adventurous students love the light room. You're right, there is a big focus on the arts in a Reggio class. My students made art with pasta, veggies, fruit, ice, dried ice, toys, leaves, and pretty much anything that is safe for kids to use. My kids also had a messy outdoor activity every week and were encouraged to get messy when making art. I had students who loved painting themselves and the walls (covered in paper) every day.

[@BeatrixFrancia]

The total accuracy in everything you do makes you more than just a KZbinr or influencer. I'm impressed at how flawless your contents are, so informative and enjoyable at the same time. I can't imagine the amount of time it takes to create videos like yours. Your italian pronunciation is just amazing (and so is Keily's when she says "prosciutto" 😍) I live in Bologna, one hour away from Reggio Emilia so it made my heart leap to see the images of the old town, so timeless and resilient.. Grazie!

[@FuschiEnterprises]

❤❤

[@elisagherpelli2372]

I live in Reggio Emilia so I'm really familiar with Malaguzzi's work, which is the father of the "method" used in Reggio Emilia's schools. I also attended those school as a child :)

[@HapaFamily]

That’s so interesting! Was this is a decent overview of your experience in the schools? 🤣

I would love to hear about the expected (maybe proved) outcomes of both methods. Would you recommend sunshiny related? Thanks

[@FuschiEnterprises]

@elisagherpelli2372 What's your profession?! What are your hobbies now?! Are they in direct correlation to your upbringing

[@pumpkins1984]

My daughter attends a beautiful Reggio Inspired preschool. She attended a Waldorf playgroup as a toddler, and we have quite a few Montessori materials at home. I like the eclectic approach we are taking. But at the end of the day I just try an include her in the things I am doing as well as a good healthy dose of outdoor unstructured play. I miss that fresh mountain air Ashley. Enjoy your little slice of heaven 🏔

[@whossoul]

That's the best way to do it! My college program I worked at had a lab preschool that was spoiled in we had funding from the college and all these professors with PHDs in childhood development and education running the program. Every one of them would say the best approach is a combination of them all. We were mainly Reggio inspired but drew elements from Montessori and Waldorf. One of their biggest pet peeves was that teachers/schools would get so caught up in being one label that kids end up missing out on great things other approaches can bring in!

[@benstagg4544]

I fit more with Reggio because it aligns with our bicultural curriculum here to include our native children (Māori) as working with nature such as flax and New Zealand Jade stone (pounamu) and also the arts with dancing, clothing, carvings etc is a part of their culture.

[@vanuamontessori6672]

True. Even in the Montessori centres that I worked in there were definitely elements of Reggio Emilia and I think it was due to our curriculum Te Whāriki 😊

[@bonniepaora8664]

Im thinking similar fir ny future children, but i want to explore a few different methods and take the best parts of all of them and mix them in with traditional Māori methods of learning. I'm calling it "Whanau ako"

[@FuschiEnterprises]

😮😮 I want to come!

[@kerryfoose3116]

I'm so happy that you are sharing this information. My 4 year old had her first experience last year in a Reggio Emilia /Montessori hybrid academy. It was an absolutely fantastic experience for her. She started in her Montessori school this year well prepared.

[@adriannavanoyen]

I wish there were more readily available resources for supporting parents in implementing Reggio-inspried practices at home. I learned about both approaches during my undergrad, and Reggio-Emilia is actually a better fit for my personal philosophy and preferences as an educator, but I've found so much more info available on implementing Montessori that that's what I've used with just a much more flexible and open approach.

[@linspacem2060]

Need to show this video to the mainstream childcare educators in Australia. Since Montessori is not widely available in Australia until recent years, lots of mainstream childcare adopts Reggio Emilia and promotes themselves as equivalents (just as good and almost the same) to Montessori childcare. This creates lots of confusion and misleads parents. It'd be great to hear from you about why Montessori is so widely available in some countries and not the others.

[@bonniejames9496]

I am in Australia too! Yes, very true. Not so widely available in Australia. Especially passed preschool age.

[@brigettemary7640]

We’ve found a Waldorf Steiner daycare in Melbourne 💕 If Montessori was available we for sure would have considered that too. Likely mainstream Primary School though as there just isn’t enough options available.

[@vanuamontessori6672]

@@bonniejames9496 In Auckland, Aotearoa (NZ), we are seeing an emergence of primary level and high school level Montessori schools. Some mainstream primary schools have a Montessori class. In Australia, do you guys have Montessori classes within mainstream schools? Across the majority of Aotearoa (except for Wā Ora Montessori in Wellington which caters up to age 18), most Montessori schools are at the preschool level. I also believe Christchurch in the South Island are initiating a Montessori high school.

[@kikijewell2967]

@@brigettemary7640 I have a friend who teaches Upper Elementary (9yo-12yo) in Melbourne. Reply and I'll dig up the name of the school for you. He's a truly fantastic teacher, and an occasional mentor. He's been teaching, I believe, over 20 years now!

[@brigettemary7640]

@@kikijewell2967 funnily enough we’ve since moved to an area with a local Montessori school by chance. I wonder if he teaches there!

[@virginiagiannotti4817]

I am from Reggio Emilia! My baby is 11months old and just started kindergarten. We are very lucky here because all the state kindergartens use Loris Malaguzzi’s approach (the private ones in fact are always left as last choice in case your kids don’t get in the state ones). It is exactly how you explained it and it was very interesting! I find a lot of similarities between the two approaches. Also about the age difference it really depends on the class. We do separate kids more in comparison with Montessori but for instance in our class there are from 5 months old up till 16mo… which is a big span at that age. And the difference continues in the following classes. Thank you for sharing about our approach! 🌸

[@madeleineharcourt3001]

A combination of Reggio and Montessori approach is the best solution. We live in 2021 different age and different needs from the birth of these approaches...it depends on which group you have each time as a teacher and it depends on the character of each child uniquely!

[@stephmontvein8328]

I really like the creative side of Reggio- Emilia

[@Ldawg42069]

i work at a daycare w a Reggio-Emilia approach and it’s honestly so nice being able to do different arts and crafts w the kids as much as possible. doing art with them really makes me happy. i also really love the environment because i’m a maximalist and i love having things hung from the walls. I even made a tree on the wall/ceiling in our classroom. i like the Montessori approach with practical life and all the activities in general. Independence is an especially important skill in group settings. it would be a dream to have a class full of kids as self sufficient as kylie. i feel that montessori really helps with building confidence in themselves. that’s my two cents ;) thanks for reading

[@whossoul]

When I first started working in a Reggio inspired classroom I didn't like that it could feel "cluttered" at times. That didn't last long though, because everything on the walls and hanging from the ceiling was all made by the kids and it gave them such a sense of pride and accomplishment to be able to point a decoration out and say "I made that!"

[@Ldawg42069]

@@whossoul i absolutely agree! one child drew a crow to sit on one of the branches, and then a few of the others wanted to put their own animals on it as well

[@Sandyyyyyyyyyy]

When that quiz was going around on IG a few weeks back my top marks said I aligned both with Montessori and Reggio-Emilia equally. Watching your video I can see all the aspects that I appreciate about the Reggio-style of teaching and how I incorporate it into my kids homeschool. Thanks for the overview, it was a treat.

[@theinquisitiveapproach9899]

Can you link me the quiz I never saw it

[@whatheavensaid]

I attended a Montessori school as a child and I taught in a Reggio Emilia school as an adult. I have profound love and respect for both approaches.

[@Setyourhandle8080]

Whoa - I’m a homeschool mom and group teacher and I’ve been doing so many of these elements on my own. Really looking forward to looking into this more !

[@Kaibigan39]

Same! I've seen a lot of this in the homeschool community!

[@britt7141]

My children attend an Reggio-Emilia inspired school. We love it! 100% outdoors rain or shine. Our school is combined ages from 2-6. years.

[@mixed_and_nerdy]

FANTASTIC research!!! I really loved learning about the differences in teaching style as a teacher myself and even the smallest differences in the classroom with the color verses minimalism. Definitely make this a series!

[@mama2two138]

I’d love a series too!

[@jennyp8243]

The research detail really makes it more thorough

[@MariaandMontessori]

Same here Margie!!! My teacher heart loves these videos 🥰Absolutely would love to see this as a series!

[@HapaFamily]

What other approaches would you be interested in seeing in the series? Any input would be appreciated! :)

[@mixed_and_nerdy]

@@HapaFamily would be interested in your takes of Harkness or Sudbury, but also the differences in following Montessori through expensive and cheap alternates for items and if there is a difference in how the child plays or learns

[@joniescott8]

As an RECE, I am a fan of both themes. I like the minimalization that is featured in a Montessori room it is calming and not overwhelming at all and I am a fan of organization! When items are stationery it can be so satisfying. The use of bright colours in the Reggio theme are really nice, very inviting it sets more of an exciting tone and I believe in provocations so much it is so necessary especially when being a teacher in a preschool room!

[@isaobeso]

This was a very informative and enjoyable video! I love the Reggio Emilia approach and also really enjoy the Montessori philosophy. When choosing a preschool for my little girl, I chose a Reggio Emilia inspired one since I though it would really be beneficial for my child because of her personality and interests (very social and artistic). Her development has been incredible, the way she asks questions and is very attentive, responsive and involved in her surroundings is really surprising. She tends to see things I wouldn't notice (as an insect in a plant or a man on top of a building) and I think that has been influenced by the way in Reggio Emilia uses all the dimensions on the space as a provocation (for example in my child's preschool they intentionally left some piping and wiring on some ceilings exposed so that kids would ask themselves hoy a building is built and how water gets to the tap and goes down the drain). thank you so much for being so informative and inspiring!

[@kaylachung6827]

I agree with the comments on how well you stated your research and for the purpose of offering the basic similarities and differences, you did well. I think it’s noteworthy for others learning about the Reggio philosophy, to understand how documentation ties into the curriculum development and planning. It is a cyclical process in that teachers will offer a provocation based on a research question, observe and document, analyze the results, and then plan a deeper offering of provocation.

[@zk.13]

I just found myself using a combination of both I try to use prepared curriculums montessori way, but always got used books for different ages like human body/planet earth/sences/math... but for older kids , reading them together and trying to explore them around us (i'm learning along the way too) So most of what we learn isn't planned, we hang kids work up high as a decoration, and we try to let them choose what they want to learn

[@jessicac3598]

Thanks for all the research Ashley! I actually live 20 minutes away from Reggio Emilia and yes it's still there 😅(the city).

[@HapaFamily]

Ahh that’s so fun! :)

[@BrightonDestiny]

Very interesting. My child is currently in a Reggio Emilia inspired daycare and I've struggled to understand the practical differences from Montessori, this summed it up pretty well. Thank you!

[@cocowhite588]

Oh wow, this is really cool. However I just realized that I have been implementing some of this in our home. The loose parts and the sensory exploration are a big hit for my toddler and that’s why they are always available, buttons, rocks, sticks and strings get so much love from my toddler. I’m thinking that all this time I’ve been doing a mix of Montessori, RIE and Regio Emília 😅 and it has worked wonderful for our family. I don’t know if that’s a valid thing but I can assume that as long as we are all happy that’s all that matters 🤣. I can’t wait for the RIE/Montessori video 💕

[@pam1126]

Same here and we love it! I believe that in the end we know our children best and don't have to refrain from something that brings joy and excitement and allows them to learn etc just because a philosophy created by someone else doesn't! When we know our children we know what they love! My daughter always had a collection of loose parts before I even knew it was a thing because she loved them so much!

[@silviabassi6254]

Yaaay! Thank you Ashley, so proud of my country for these two learning philisophies! Yes, they are different but they both focus on the child unicity, natural materials and the teacher as a helper... I'm fascinated with both!

[@ema8909]

Thank you for this! I had never heard of Reggio Emilia until this video so I am very very grateful. I prefer Waldorf over Montessori and after watching this video I am loving Reggio Emilia method too! 7:20 and 7:39 and 10:20 and 11:11 and 13:00 Love it! Of course now I want a Waldorf vs R.E. comparison! Pleeeeeass

[@mrklabunde485]

Thank you so much for your time! I am a kindergarten teacher in a public school. I am researching all that can potentially help peel students off of Chromebooks. Reggio is intriguing and hard to understand. Thank you for your introduction to the concept.

[@jordanh9520]

As you described it, Reggio Emilia sounds so much like it inspired some of my early schooling. Although... It was certainly a watered down version of it being a public elementary school, but certainly the texture and natural material, the correlated learning of multiple disciplines with a common theme or topic. I think that's why I get the feeling I do when I see a brick school house, and it's more than just nostalgia. Leaving that school for one that was tall and featureless was a bit of a shock and it did disrupt my learning for some time.

[@preschoolpruserunipps4995]

I present Regio Emilio approach at my Preschool..and the children love it.. they enjoy doing their projects each day.. TQ

[@Teacupgirly]

Oooh I’ve never heard of this but recently I’ve been starting to do loose parts and invitations to play for my toddler (learned from IG). She’s been really enjoying it. I found that lots of close-ended activities that Montessori method promotes does not interest my toddler at all, so per the Montessori way of observing and letting the child lead, we’ve been doing more imaginative play and lots of tiny loose parts

[@annaw7437]

With my nearly 3yo being autistic, he is definitely more inclined towards the Montessori method (left alone to play and only using adults as tool/help when needed, not for play interactions). So in order to pull him out of this a bit into the social world, I do try and step in = join him, propose ways to play together (show him that doing things together/with others can be fun), as naturally due to his autism he is not much interested in social interactions. That leads me to think that with a Montessori setting, it may be easier to miss the autism red flags (if the child is alone with a parent at home, and not in a busy children setting)? hmm...

[@LissaxKristine]

Since you're doing Montessori at home, you have a level of flexibility that you likely won't see in a classroom (like how the girls like to do pretend play with their play kitchen or how you read books that are not based in reality). Are there any things from Reggio Emilia that you may try out with your girls even if they're not "Montessori?"

[@mommyguider-shaina3400]

Very True!

[@theinquisitiveapproach9899]

I was a teacher at a Reggio inspired preschool and I would say this is pretty accurate

[@HapaFamily]

👏 I’m so glad to hear this! ☺️ Thanks for letting me know!

[@MariaandMontessori]

Ooh you know this is right up my alley of interests! What an amazing summary!!! 👏 Not only would I love this as a series, I'd be so curious to hear if you're going to implement any of these concepts in any form in your home! Maybe something to end the video with or a culmination video to the series 🤔 I doubt I'd ever abandon Montessori as our main focus at home but I see space for incorporating elements of other philosophies throughout. I had somehow ended up introducing loose parts and provocations here and there in our open play spaces and it's so interesting to hear about an intentional way to do this 🥰 Down the rabbit hole I go 🐇

[@HapaFamily]

That’s how I felt after researching!

[@MariaandMontessori]

I also can't help but chuckle at the fact that both approaches originated in Italy 😅 I'd be so curious to figure out if the concept of a cozy, homey classroom was commonplace in traditional schools there. Because it definitely was in Belarus. Teachers of course brought everything in themselves 😑 but curtains, plants, paintings..all standard part of the decor. One of the biggest culture shocks I had walking into an American school was how blank and cold the environment is (and that some classes have no windows!) Not surprising that the approaches focused on the child start with a cozy environment-regardless of what the details are in materials, colors, etc. You're going to need to kick me off your page or I'll be here for days. I love nothing more than geeking over kids and education 🤓

[@AmmaraSHAH773377]

@@MariaandMontessori im wondering did youth find a local Montessori school that you liked i think missed something going through your videoes multitasking is not always efficient. Did you find the schoola in your area to be minimalist or with decor like you described. Growing up with clutter and still having to declutter for my mum around the play areas and the normal schools here being so hectic with pages of info on the walls that we'r only used to look at during tests, it just releases all this tension and stress when i see a minimalist and structured Montessori school.

[@MariaandMontessori]

@@AmmaraSHAH773377 ah the decor comparison is definitely traditional schools. When we were looking at schools (pre-covid) we actually didn't end up liking any of the 0-3 Montessori programs. Especially the schools that were certified. The ones on the pathway to certification were much more pleasant to be in, which is why I always stressed that distinction too 😅 Even if the children's area was minimalist, the teacher space and hallways were quite...cluttered. So it really detracted from the beauty of the class 🥺 We had selected a different school that also focused on the child, giving them freedom, learning through play. Though the environment was a bit more colorful and full of decor than the Montessori class, at the 0-3 age it aligned enough with my own philosophy that we thought it was the best fit. I hadn't remembered what they're aligned with until watching this video...went back to check and sure enough- "Reggio inspired" 😅 If there's a day before Stella's 3 when we feel it safe for her to go and for me to work again, she will go there. Once she's 3, we'll be driving up to my mom's school. Her teachers definitely maintain a true Montessori environment but I wouldn't call it full minimalist either. There's pictures at the children's height. There's plants for them to care for. There's an art area with a small display area. It feels cozy but not overwhelming, in my opinion.

[@AmmaraSHAH773377]

@@MariaandMontessori oh wowww thats great you already had a background in Montessori that stella can share in still i didn't really understand that your mum actually had a Montessori school that was still running i assumed she just did Montessori parenting like Elon musk's mum had lolllll but this is great that you have somewhere you know first hand you can trust. Its so cool that you also have somewhere near by that follows this schooling system that's Noval to us now but already you seemed to have found it for rainy days. I think i need to look around nowe that schools are open here and we had our vaccines. Im still soooooo hesitant that I've not looked around there's just 2 Montessori inspired nurseries here. And one certified nursery that is 1.5 hours away so definitely need to check if there's a Regio Emilio one anywhere ahahaha🤞😅

[@sondrapedersen947]

Great video. I just did an observation in a Montessori school (not accredited), and I was not impressed with what I saw. In fact, it was disturbing to see children and teachers with no voices or joy in the learning process. With a Reggio background, as an early childhood educator, I did see some similarities in the materials used, but it was not a learning environment that felt community-like by a long shot. This video was clear and well communicated. Thank you. Now I understand that what I saw was probably not an authentic view of the Montessori philosophy being played out --in real time. I have been in Reggio inspired schools that also had no real knowledge of the philosophy they claimed on their website. I appreciate this video tremendously.

[@shannon10809]

This is fantastic! Thank you for breaking it down so eloquently.

[@renrioable]

So interesting. Love 'loose parts' and the idea of provocations

[@wenshuanghao9332]

hi， I am your big fan who is not a native English speaker. So the subtitle is very important for me to understand the content. Please put the subtitle on every episode. Much appreciate! Love you and the girls !

[@HapaFamily]

I just went back and looked at the video and noticed that the closed captions were not generated for this video, and I’m not sure why because I always have that setting turned on by default. I’ll have to take a look later at the individual settings for this video to see if I can change it.

[@juliedew6669]

As of preschool teacher I think this is a lovely and accessible explanation. Really nice job!

What you explained about Reggio is exactly what I’ve been studying so far. Thanks for been so didactic and straight to the major points. I work in a Montessori school and I let the Reggio philosophy guides me when I have to talk about arts - that’s something Montessori doesn’t explore so much due the people researching for bring some lighting for our practices…

[@511raksha]

Thank you so much. Choosing a pre-school and methodology for our kids is a difficult decision. Finding all the information in a simplified, un-biased and clearly explained video is so helpful. Thanks again.

[@shanbe7925]

Thank you for taking the time out to research and inform your viewers. There are aspects of reggio Emilio that I like and certainly would look into. Some of it reminds me of activities I did at school many many many years ago! 👍

[@nawaalislam5884]

You saved my life today. God Bless

[@kazbee6978]

I have been very fortunate to work in a Reggio inspired kindergarten. In recent times I have been doing agency work and have worked at a Montessori school. My previous experience in Reggio was more then “ inspired “. It was an amazing environment. I agree that everyday was different and if you were prepared to give up on your own preconceived ideas for the day, it would take you to on an amazing journey. Not that there isn’t a place for intentional teaching. I think the biggest difference is listening; Montessori doesn’t want you to engage with the child. With Reggio, if you don’t engage and listen, then you don’t have a program. I have been very fortunate to attend 3 Reggio conferences. One of the statements made at one of them has stuck with me for years; “ as educators we are not to stand over children, imparting all of our knowledge into them. Instead we are to come alongside them and assist them in exploring their own ideas “.

[@sakisgirl1]

Where does one find a good Reggio conference?

[@eanatra]

Thank you for this video! I've just realised my daughters' nursery is definitely Reggio Emilia inspired. Their classrooms look exactly how you described. Very informative💕🙏

[@_Keira_]

Oh my gosh, thank you so much for posting this. It just so happened that I've been doing research on a lot of other teaching methods, so this was a huge help and so was your Montessori vs Waldorf video ❤

[@sandieknies9453]

Another RE inspired school teacher here. Two differences that you mention which didn’t play a roll in our school were 1- the age of use. The original RE school is a preschool, this makes it easier to apply to that age group however being RE inspired means working out how the core concepts can be applied to older children in a creative way, in our school until 13 years. 2- Our school has big glass doors between the classrooms and mixed classes. In fact our children choose their own home teacher.

[@lismipro]

Hi, Ashley! Wow, you just amazed me with this Reggio-Emilia method 🤯🤯🤯 I didn't know about it and wasn't even interested, but all those beautiful baskets made me watch this video. I've been thinking that the best method for me and my kid is Montessori and only Montessori. But my messy flat is more like Reggio-Emilia environment. And thought-provoking questions and those exercises with samples - I like them so much! I think I should do more research now and... Here is the second surprise for me - the amount of useful links that you attached😍 THANK YOU! I'm so inspired🥰

[@katiewatts8046]

Yes this was very helpful and interesting! I’m going to check out the RE resources! Almost everything you described fits our parenting and learning philosophy. Thanks for sharing this free of judgement and just helpful info. We also do draw some of inspiration from Montessori. And i think our daughter’s preschool draws a lot of inspiration from Regio Emilia. It’s a coop so it’s lots of involvement from the parents and neighborhoods.

[@dianewetherill185]

Well done descriptions of the similarities and differences between Montessori and Reggio Amelia. I am a Montessori trained teacher since 1978 and enjoyed a workshop on Reggio years ago. I found that Montessori education is more readily available for jobs but loved the Reggio approach as well.

[@allieeidam2173]

Really loved this! Would love to see other philosophies compared to Montessori Homeschool (Charlotte Mason & Classical)

[@soledadsantibanez5626]

You are an amazing communicator, really enjoy your videos

[@sossoft]

Wow there's so much to learn out there. So overwhelming. I just found about Montessori and now this that I've never heard of. We just moved in a small apartment bigger than the previous studio and I'm trying to organize it to encourage child development activity. I just want to find a way that will help my neurodivergent children's development.

[@csogon22]

Ontario, Canada public childcare and Educators' education is very based Reggio Emilia

[@AmmaraSHAH773377]

Awwwh ths is fascinating i never heard of this until now. Although i like the emphasis on learning through physical activities, im getting the feeling that this is not so common place as an alternative to schooling systems. It sounds initially similar and closer to Waldorf. I feel like i am too committed to Montessori and i see the benefit in every aspect and every activity in Montessori that even one being missed out on gives me a strange feeling. Hahahaha I'm going to have a tough time finding the right place for my child. Even with homeschooling she's going to miss out on the socialisatio. On another note i am soooo excited for your book i can't wait!!!

[@bibbedyboo3532]

Really good information. I am a beginner studying montessori however considering a daycare that bases its philosophy of learning on Reggio Emilia

[@larenaki5213]

Thank you for making this video and doing the research for us. Thank you so much for the links. This helps me answer my questions. 💛🧡

[@tmosco23]

Thanks so much for this video! I think I’ve heard of RE before, but this comparison overview was so refreshing to watch. I love spending time observing my son’s interests, so I feel like I’m more drawn to RE now.

[@nataliemccluskey1199]

I’d never heard of this approach! Thanks for sharing. I’d be curious to hear of approaches that are of African origin.

[@gretamichelle8514]

I'm really leaning towards the Montessori philosophy for my family child care business.

[@leanneworld]

Found this video very helpful for my coursework. Thank you

[@kishakisha17]

These two are my favourite approaches … thanks for all the info

[@tvbot1984]

I love them both honestly.

[@AM-bm2xw]

Ive never heard of this method and it is very interesting. I liked the examples you showed of "provocations", I think that is really useful. There are definitely things I like from different approaches, and enjoy making my own mix.

[@kimalton6556]

Absolutely love your presentations. I find them full of great information. Very helpful.

[@emmastoelk2132]

I'm currently in college and work in a lab school with infants from ages 8 months to 1 and half and I will say that it is harder to find interests for infants so they send be subtle things, shapes, animals or sensory play but it depends on class and what children like.

[@christinap5148]

I just absolutely respect you and your channel. Thank you for giving such a real and informative video on similarities and difference!! You didn’t have to “put down” the other philosophy which is what I see so many people do when they are comparing things to their own views/ values. I appreciate you so much! Thank you!

[@vanuamontessori6672]

I love the summary that you gave on both the Reggio Emilia and Montessori philosophies Ashley 🙌🏽. Isn’t it interesting how many similarities there are between the two philosophies especially around respect of the child and the use of upcycled/natural materials ☺️

[@angelicelly_904]

Thank you so much for this. I like Reggio Emilia better.

[@kristin87425]

What a great job! I have experienced both now as a parent and this was very accurate.

[@lauracahall3155]

Thank you so much for this informative and well researched video. I am thinking of sending son to a reggia Emilia school in September (he will just have turned two). The campus is beautiful and the teachers all seem lovely, but I am nervous too. He has always been a very calm and relaxed baby/toddler- happy to simply chill out with his toys and bottle, rarely ever throws tantrums. he just started walking at 20 months. Not because of physical issues but just because he was complacent crawling and cruising - his aunt call him pigro (lazy). Haha. I’m nervous that with his personality maybe this type of school is too laid back and won’t push him enough( I know he’s only two,perhaps I’m over thinking it) I just don’t want him missing milestones.

[@Bornonfoolsday88]

I wish I could have a montessori, waldorf, re - HECK ANY forward thinking peer positive, environment /practical learning, whole wellness, inspiration hands-on school and mom group where we live. ANYTHING IS BETTER THAN THE SCHOOLS WE HAVE AVAILABLE! I like each style and wish there was a way to combine all of the teachings.

[@nataliaechandi7937]

Thank you so much for this information! Pictures with examples were great to further appreciate what you were explaining. I will be sharing this with all my colleagues. There is also a lot of valuable info in the comments, thanks everyone!!

[@louisalowry6229]

Ahh - connecting dots here. I’ve been seeing Nido early learning centres popping up all round Perth in Western Australia and had wondered. Going through your links I can see who they are. I work in primary education and our early childhood teachers have started to bring in some Reggio Emilia philosophy.

[@pacolli]

This is so cool and helpful! I'm very inspired about the Reggio-Emilia approach.

[@jennyesperanzajoyaballen1482]

This information is very helpful, very concrete and interesting, thank you!

[@teachthemfun]

This is a super interesting video concept. Great job on all the explanations.

[@serrankare]

Thank you for sharing this information. Reminds me of a mix of Waldorf and Montessori

[@Hitogata]

This is so interesting!! Thank you for doing the research for us 😄😄😄

[@PLopez-bs5xs]

Such a timely video, thank you! Great video and thank you for the resources.

[@hannahz4956]

Thank you so so much for this!!!

[@teocola2652]

Do you have a comparison video between Montessori and Waldorf? If not, would you consider making one?

[@somethingblessed7330]

Love the breakdown great and helpful video ❤️

[@Jacqueline102610]

I am loving your explanations. Excellent!!!❤

[@ThisIsLeah]

This is FASCINATING!! Thank you so SO much for sharing!! I’m looking forward to researching more about some of their teaching styles! ;) ;) :D

[@analyticalchick3064]

My former nanny kids went to a Waldorf school (NYC), were homeschooled with their mom and I for 2 years (NYC) and now they are in a Reggio Emilio school (Budapest). I moved to Idaho right after they moved to Hungary. I interviewed with a Montessori preschool and the Waldorf forum parents sent me to your channel here on KZbin. I didn't get the job, though. I ended up at a traditional Christian daycare. It's ok, but I don't think I would or could love it here.

[@dusklvr]

Pictures are so helpful with this presentation. Gives so much context. Great design ideas. Slideshow is too fast.

[@iamnykira]

Thank you so much for this video, sending love

[@juniperk912]

Thus was so helpful and explained really well. Thank you!

[@TalkWithJoce]

I super appreciate this video and will also look through the comments and resources more too! I'm excitedly learning/researching/networking more about Montessori, Reggio, Waldorf, and other aspects of early childhood education lately as I clarify which focus for my career/education path towards classroom lead teacher for under age 7. Kinda amazing how much some aspects of these align with my interests like I decorate with sunlight, nature objects, natural materials, value art, like enough organization/simplicity, value autonomy and kind collaboration and outdoors a lot, am very into diving into an interest (I call it following the heart), love psychology, etc. Bummer there's no USA training for Reggio but definitely eyeing Montessori training. P.S. Growing up my family had a book on Pablo Picasso as a kid where he collected nature objects.💚🌿

[@rubidevilliers3089]

What a lovely video! Thank you so much.

[@a.o.j.3474]

Most Montessori settings have almost everything you have described in RE's settings. Creativity is also one the main aspects of Montessori practice and this involves providing children lots of natural open ended materials in Montessori environments.

[@kazbee6978]

Hmmm….but RE don’t have “ jobs “ on little trays. They are still open ended.

[@philippapay4352]

And champagne is correctly sparkling wine unless it is from Champagne in France. It seems Reggio Emilia was a locally developed program that addresses all preschool ages and has some leanings that involve the interests and culture of the community as much as a program of educational principles. This does not invalidate it, but makes it quite different from Dr. Maria Montessori's child psychology, child development, philosophy of education approach. It seems to borrow from Montessori, which makes sense as Reggio nell'Emilia is in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. You do excellent comparisons and contrasts for us. Thank you.

[@whossoul]

Malaguzzis approaches are also rooted in psychology and child development, but there's so many different theories about childhood development (not to mention its changed so much over time) that it can create different approaches. I used to think of Montessori as the gold standard till I went to college for childhood development and learned childhood psychology. What we know today about child psychology and what's been backed up by science is basically everything Malaguzzi had been saying from the beginning. I think that's my only issue with the Montessori approach is its so rigid and there's no flexibility to change as our understanding of childhood psychology changes, where as the Reggio approach encourages adaptation.

[@philippapay4352]

@@whossoul I was commenting not on the methods, but on what I learned from the presentation since I do not know Malaguzzi Method. However, Dr. Montessori lived 100 years ago and did not even have the ways of evaluating things that modern science allows. Thank you for your overview to add to this one.

[@starshine9836]

I worked in both environments before. I definitely love Reggio more due to my personality. One is more of feeding knowledge, and the other is discovering knowledge. but the teacher has to be very sharp in observation and flow with the child, asking open-ended questions and one season, working on the topic in various subjects. Very very fun. Eg. a Child came in with a Chinese character on the cloth eg tiger, and the children got curious, then we went to understand the word, going as deep as a Chinese oracle, Chinese poem, and zodiac under Chinese folk culture, Chinese painting, study the anatomy of tiger, learning the age, eating habit of tiger, physical edu- move like tiger, sing folk song on tigers. so much to explore. physically and mentally exhausting, but so much fun. Montessori is good for cultures like Japanese who love structure and sequence as well as for the special needs and intellectual challenging ones, that could receive the knowledge step by step