MONTESSORI VS WALDORF

[@HapaFamily]

**Editing Note: I always watch my videos ahead of time before uploading, and I did that with this one, as well. Something clearly happened at 9:22 after I watched it, likely a button I touched or something, hahaha! I certainly did not intend to have the frame that close! 😳😳😂😂😂 I’m bugged that it’s in there and I can no longer do anything about it, but I certainly appreciate your kind understanding! 👍🏻

[@victoria9663]

Haha! I assumed I had accidentally bumped my phone and it was my fault 😆

[@Elvaelvaku]

Hahaha I was like you were trying to emphasize something so you make it THAT close😅

[@thatsSK3TCHY]

@@Elvaelvaku I thought the same thing! I was like, whoa, she's really serious about that outdoor part. haha!

[@HapaFamily]

Well I’m glad we can find something amusing in it, at least!! 😂😂😂👍🏻

[@erinelizabeth8927]

@@HapaFamily I was wondering what was up with that, and I decided there must have been something in the shot for a few seconds that you didn't want us to see, so you zoomed it way in!

[@Moss_piglets]

25 year old here. I was a product of both montessori/waldorf teachings. My dad was raised in a waldorf home (grandma was a teacher from Finland) but went to public school in the states while my mom went to a montessori school. They combined both teachings to raise five children. We all grew up to be well adjusted children. Yes, it took a while to adjust when I went to high school since the learning method was so different. The environment was also chaotic unlike the serene and unhurried environment I was used to. I believe both methods combined are beneficial. Why? Because a child will grow up to be a well rounded individual. Both nurtured our love of learning and curiosity without boundaries. I enjoyed the freedom to solve problems on my own. Choosing a profession definitely made it easier for us because we were exposed to many experiences. For me it was the connnection to nature, my love of being outdoors taught me to respect the environment and animals which lead me to be a conservationist. Montessori taught us the skills we needed to be leaders in our fields. Waldorf taught us empathy and creativity. Most importantly, we easily get a long with other people and adjust/react faster in certain situations.

[@amandajones8514]

I love this. When i was looking into what i wanted for my in home and homeschooling and parenting i couldnt be a purest to waldorf or Montessori because they both had positives and negatives about them. The combo of the two has been great because i love the safe fantasy of waldorf but we are also realistic like Montessori and i have all the natural products but i also let my daughter lead what she wants so i just supply and encourage. Its great to hear from someome who personally benefited form a combo deal

[@amandajones8514]

@@Daniella9658 you totally can in a way lol real life learning such as cooking and practical life. For Waldorf reading the old school fairytales and looking into the art they do can be "adulting" it and read books so you can be prepared

[@Moss_piglets]

@@amandajones8514 my grandma is a waldorf purist. She was a teacher at a Steiner school. At her home we were waldorf children lol. She and my mom would clash at times when grandma gave us toys that is not montessorian 😂. But I have to admit, I love all of the wooden toys she gave us and the handmade dolls. My nieces and nephews are now using them.

[@Moss_piglets]

@@Daniella9658 you can! I believe adults can greatly benefit from these methods also especially at the work. Anyway, there are plenty of books out there for you to read to prepare. My friends really like the book Montessori toddler. And if you have time, you can start collecting materials so that you're ready to go 😄

[@amandajones8514]

@@Moss_piglets i love the beauty of wooden toys and the natural stuff wish they werent sooo expensive lol

[@everythingrebekahlorraine]

As someone who grew up to be a fantasy author, I can't imagine not being exposed to fantasy and imaginative play

[@piedadgoulet3499]

As someone with a three year old who already loves to tell stories all day long, I can't imagine taking that away from a kid either. Maybe it's a leftover of the practicality of getting kids ready for factory life as adults? Definitely not something I would keep in the curriculum in modern times :(

[@everythingrebekahlorraine]

@@piedadgoulet3499 Yeah, but I think the arts are the way to go moving forward. Robots will take over most other jobs but it will be a while before they have imagination and creativity. I want to foster that as much as possible in my child.

[@piedadgoulet3499]

@@everythingrebekahlorraine I mean I wouldn't keep the depressing lack of fantasy and fiction in the modern montessori. It's strange that it's left out still.

[@cathiemarvellous]

My understanding is that fantasy is introduced when kids have a firm grip on reality, the laws of nature etc. The theory being that our world is fascinating and full of wonder enough. Once kids understand the limits of, say, the laws of physics, fantasy has its place, because it defies that.

[@piedadgoulet3499]

@@cathiemarvellous Yes, but the lack of fantasy early on isn't rooted in child development theory. And the introduction to fantasy is quite an arbitrary moment. No one understands physics enough to grasp how the "real" world works except people who actually study the physical sciences through college and beyond. The average adult can't even sufficiently explain how a cell phone works, but they've somehow earned the right to revel in the fantastical, lol? The cell phone might as well be magic to most people. Fantasy is a teaching tool, and an extremely effective one at that. It makes no sense to pick a random age and say that children beyond that point are suddenly ready to learn from it.

[@liamariavoelker4162]

I‘m a social worker and worked multiply times with Montessori and Waldorf kids. Waldorf kids seem to have an easier time to fit into society, are often highly creative and very sociable. Montessori kids on the other hand are quite difficult to handle. Tend to have a stronger opinion and seem to prefer to do their own thing. My experience is that Montessori kids that go to a Montessori school don‘t learn how to make compromises with other kids. I really like the Montessori approach when it comes to a toddler room layout and I can see how some day cares and kindis might be beneficial for some children. But as they grow older it‘s critical to teach them the right values and how to make friends and play with each other. I‘m missing that in the Montessori philosophy.

[@phoebewilson6739]

From what I heard Montessori students are supposed to have really good social skills? Isn't that what the 3 year classes and the apparently lots of group work in primary for?

[@Ellewolf20]

I attended a Montessori school when I was younger and from my personal experience I have to agree with you! I absolutely hate compromise, it's a synonym of failure to me. I am also very opinionated (not in an arrogant way, but I am very convinced of my ideas and values and I will never compromise them for any reason). This could be seen and being determined as well as being stubborn, it's up to you to decide which. And I also march to the beat of my own drum and I love doing my own thing in my own ways and at my own rhythm. Working in a group is stimulating and interesting to me as long as it's a collaboration between equal individuals who share ideas and come together despite their different approaches and thoughts. I really despise hierarchies, impositions and orders though! As I said this is my own personal experience and it could be a product of different influences and events in my life not just the school I attended as a young child, I just thought it would be interesting to share!

[@kp782]

Interesting 😂😂 i am montessori child and I have very strong identity but I can compromise. And also I am extreme social 😂😂 and extrovert - my sister, tol

[@GingaByteTV]

Something to consider is that montessori and waldorf schools are less likely to overstep boundaries and leave parenting to the parents. Social Skills are worked on in class, but a lack of ability to work with others or compromise is more likely a result of a parent modeling that behavior

[@liamariavoelker4162]

@@리주민 may i ask why you are considering it NOW? The most important thing for a 15 year old is his/her peer group. To change this group is only beneficial when the child is suffering in the current class setting. There are only 2 reasons I would support a change of school concepts. 1. The child is independent and is creative and comes up with his/her own ideas and is not depending on structure given by a teacher or anyone else and would like to pursue a creative career. 2. when the child is very open minded and struggles with current school concept. During my time as a School Social Worker I came across many parents who considered changing schools. Half of the kids who struggled in a regular school struggled because they weren’t used to structure and felt out of place and the other half had parents who questioned the school because of the kids marks at school. There are pro and cons for every school type. And every child is different. I changed school when I was 17 and did my last 2 years in art school (best decision ever). But yes, it is very important to know WHY you consider it NOW. ;)

[@Anya-sun]

Hi there, thank you for sharing these brief and detailed descriptions! I'm a Waldorf teacher and want to make one clarification- math, science and reading are not put off until age 7 because they are "less interesting". They are of course very interesting! The science behind Waldorf is called Anthroposophy, and in Anthroposophy we study the development of the physical body, (as well as emotional body and thought) over periods of time, throughout rhythmical periods of life, and in this case, we're looking at the first 7 years. The input of too much "study" and intellectual efforts in the first 7 years is said to be hardening on the child's physical body, whereas we want to develop warmth in that time.

[@sleepyfish3929]

The book "Simplicity Parenting" written by a Waldorf teacher is 1000% recommended and helped explain this concept well to me... how I understood it, is that today many kids are over stimulated, over charged and demanded to perform. The benefits of slowing down, creating a calming environment with rhythms, routines, imagination and a lack of pressure is really great for these ages.

[@thebyrdsnest1465]

I love what you added at the end about blending the two. Sometimes it's hard to remember that you don't have to choose one!

[@carolinabaez5714]

While I've been very much into Montessori, yet the Waldorf approach turned out to be a better fit for my energetic toddler. He started in a Montessori preschool when he was 19 months old and it was very hard for him to choose his own work and respect other's, to the point that he became kind of disruptive to the classroom. A few months later our family moved to a different place where the best option available was a Waldorf preschool and the change was amazing. The time outdoors, the routines and I would say the fact that he got to literally hold other's hands and spend time doing different activities together just made sense to him, improving not only the behavior in the classroom but at home as well. Even his naps and night sleep became more steady! Now he is 7 and we are homeschooling. I'm still trying to learn about Montessori homeschooling for his little sister, but I can absolutely give credit to Waldorf education for what I saw at the time

[@coreyjacq]

I’m not even pregnant or in a relationship but your videos are so great. I can’t wait to raise independent, emotionally intelligent children

[@marinachiovetti7325]

Just a small correction - Waldorf doesn’t delay teaching math and reading until year 2 because it’s not seen as enjoyable - it is actually times to match a change in brain development when kids brains switch to be more left brain dominant where more logical thinking comes online. Steiner believes that before age 7-8 (when baby teeth fall out) that the right brain (creative brain) is more dominant and should be nurtured (hence the focus on fantasy and creativity.) Waldorf teaching begins in the abstract world in preschool and progresses to concrete world in secondary. Montessori is a reverse approach beginning with the concrete world in preschool and ending with the abstract on secondary.

[@underthecanopy6203]

Thanks for saying this! I noticed that too. :)

[@yvettaguidel5753]

Hi there! I am a Mexican mom. In their preschool years my two kids went to a 100% Montessori school and I adored it, for me it was a great way to learn following the own development of the child. I was very happy that at an age of 5 years old my children could write, read and make some math because it was expected they do so. But 5 years ago I discovered Waldorf education and it changes my point of view. It is based in Antroposophy that recognizes that the human being is conformed by 4 bodies: physical, ether, astral and an ego ones. In a Waldorf school those bodies are nourished by its curricula that follows the development of the humanity, in other words, in its way from the living in a spiritual world as first human beings did (like children between 0-7 years old, that is why fairy tales are told to them), then passing through the phases of moral matters giving to the children stories of animals, biblical ones, craft works, and so on, that without telling the children, they are learning not only culture and history, but the evolution of consciousness, this happens from 7 to 14 years old. At the age of 14 to 21 it is the era of the reasoning when the civilization turn to the materialism and children look for the truth. In social terms one can say that Waldorf Education pretend to be a social revolution, in fact in the Nazi years, Waldorf schools were closed in Germany and that is one of the reasons that they emerged in other countries. After studying Antroposophy and Waldorf Education, I can say that being a Waldorf parent implies a great commitment not only with children, but also to the teachers who are people who made a great inner job in order to give the best to children. And yes, all the art that is used is a way to teach children to make team work, children can face frustration and learn how to deal with it, among other many aspects. Also parents have to be patient of the processes, perhaps a child cannot read in 1st grade but be sure he is going to do it during the primary. Waldorf is a way of life, a way of thinking quite different from traditional education. In Mexico there are few Waldorf schools around the country from preeschool to 9th grade, unfortunately there is only one from 10th to 12th grades, and it is not in Mexico City where I live. By now my son is in 10th grade in a traditional school and he is doing well, I can say that better than many of their partners. My son cannot believe how a guy can fail a project or an exam, he had realized that some of their partners don’t do the necessary things. Finally I would like to point out that it does not matter what type of education is chosen, as long as the parents are very involved to be able to accompany their children in the expected way.

[@alika207]

I am a music teacher in a local Montessori school and a local Waldorf school, so I see the good of both approaches. I’m blessed to share the joy of singing and making music with the students from both schools.

[@JordanJLyon]

Similarities: 1. Holistic (educated whole child - emotional, social, pratical not just academic) 2. Hands on learning 3. Natural materials (no/less plastic or battery operated) 4. Limited technology 5. Deep Respect for the Child 6. Love of learning (culitivatea)

[@NormieNeko]

I'm not convinced about avoiding plastic toys while allowing glass. The battery powered toys are definitely annoying and often don't seem to actually teach much though. I find all materials valid because they have different uses, so I'm planning on keeping some plastics. I don't want much screen time, so I wonder when that becomes more regular. After age 10? We can't run away from the present or future, is all.

[@kristinmasefield8305]

I’m a Montessori preschool teacher and you did a wonderful job explaining the philosophy!! Thank you for explaining the Waldorf philosophy in a clear and concise way. I have begun to explore Waldorf and see if I am able to apply some concepts to my classroom!

[@legumesss]

I am a Waldorf teacher and there is so much more to it, but I think you gave a good overview. The biggest difference in early childhood is that in Waldorf education the focus is not on cognitive learning. The amazing thing is that children can engage only in free play until 6/7 years old and it doesn't put them behind at all. Here in Germany, Waldorf students even finish high school with much better grades than normal students. And this is only in addition to having learned gardening, knitting, sewing, woodwork, painting, drawing, sculpturing, playing instruments, singing, etc. Having said that, the Montessori approach is of course valuable as well. Either way it's so much better than public school. After kindergarten you can even include many Montessori methods in your class as the teacher has a lot of freedom in teaching. This is one of the reasons why I chose that profession.

[@revnv590]

Do Waldorf studenrlts go on to public High School or do they graduate from a Waldorf School?

[@legumesss]

@@revnv590 it depends on the school. But the idea is to go to the same school from kindergarten to senior year.

[@LilaElfe]

But do they really? I heard most Waldorf students don't get a realistic preparation for the real world.

[@laurina843]

Lila Elfe They have to take the exact same exams as students who are attending public school when it comes to their A-levels (and other degrees that you can get here in Berlin). The tasks are the same but the Waldorf students are usually the ones who are getting the better results. Therefore, I’d say that they are definitely prepared for life. I’ve only attended public school here in Germany but my brother switched to Waldorf in grade 8 and his intellectual and mental growth has been extremely positive. However, I don’t think that the Waldorf pedagogy is the perfect concept for every child. Montessori would probably be better for my other little brother and I personally would’ve loved to experience both worlds.

[@Moss_piglets]

@@LilaElfe actually, they do as well or even better than conventional schooling. My father was raised in a Waldorf home. Mom was Montessori. I really enjoyed waldorf's school set up. But I was lucky enough to be raised in both and get the benefits.

[@danaventura2666]

This is so on point! I started my son on Montessori and we loved it for the first three years. Now that he’s 3 1/2 he loves to engage in imaginative play a lot! I noticed he loves fantasy and story telling. Story telling has helped with some of his behaviors and picky eating. He also loves creating materials and help creating his toys. Lastly we spend a lot of time exploring the great outdoors. So we started giving Waldorf a try and he loves it. I still keep the Montessori approach of follow the child. So if he’s interested in bird we focus on birds. He also wants to learn to read and basic math. So we lightly implement it in our day at his pace and choosing . Our circle time structure was set the way he chose the first time and we stuck to it ever since. We went from 100% Montessori to 80% Waldorf 20% Montessori. I still believe Montessori is wonderful. I still believe following the child is essential. On another note Waldorf’s base is rhythm. Rhythm from the day to the season to the year. Rhythm is adjusted accordingly to yearly rhythm. Which is amazing in my point of view. It keeps our family far more grounded. Has also helped our family relationship. Since relationships is another key to Waldorf. I just personally like how much deeper it goes. My last note is that I did have an issue looking for a Montessori preschool for my son at age 2. Some weren’t truly a Montessori school and just implemented some Montessori materials and called it Montessori. So those looking keep an eye out for that. We also had the reoccurring issue of my son not doing well with transitioning quickly from one activity to the next. I was told he had no schedule/ routine. We did but we spent a much longer time on each part of our schedule. I noticed he dives in deep for a long period of time and I wanted to respect that. So that led us to homeschooling instead.

[@bogatanagy-kollar3431]

I had them both (M for 4 years, and then W for 4 years + high school). I loved them both, but Waldorf has my heart forever. I met my husband in high school. Now I'm a med student (final 6th year), and we cannot wait to have our own children in a couple years, and to become a "Waldorf-parents". Loved your video!

[@claudiacooper1934]

I am a trained Montessori teacher who has taught at 5 different Montessori schools, 3 in Missouri and 2 in Ohio.. I am also familiar with the practices of a number of other Montessori schools and I would assert that most Montessori schools actually do have a more blended approach such as the approach you use with your children at home. All of the schools where I taught, for example, encouraged the inclusion of what is called circle time where things were discussed such as calendar topics, seasons of the tear, weather, also stories were regularly read aloud by the teacher. In one school where I taught there was already a play kitchen in the classroom, however I will say that I would not have chosen it. I did read fantasy books to my students however I regularly asked the students to discern whether the story was real or pretend. They were amazingly accurate in their ability to make those distinctions. I regularly led music sessions with my students which included creative movement and the use of instruments. Now I will say that upon occasion I have had a student who did not want to participate in the circle activities as long as that student was engaged in an activity that did not interfere. I always have included art and gardening as a part of the curriculum. One thing that must be realized is that anyone can label their school Montessori and to be certain of what the center or school is about I would say that it is essential to spend some time at the school to observe and to ask questions. I have heard of what I consider nightmares where the staff boasts about being true Montessori thus not including music or art in the curriculum because Maria Montessori did not emphasize those areas or another school that did not allow children to cry because that was somehow not Montessori????!! Again I think the wisest thing to do is to visit the school with your child if possible and do some reading. I do appreciate what you're attempting to do with this video however people must do their own research. Oh and before I get off my soapbox I want to mention that here in Ohio many preschools are. Being licensed by the state which I assert has some very unworkable guidelines in terms of working with children and hampers the paractices of Montessori methods.

[@WickedNPC]

I have to say that my experience from my daughters Montessori schools sound more accurate to how you describe the places you worked at rather than how they were described in the video. I would never send my child somewhere where she wouldn't be allowed to play imagination games and play pretend.

[@alika207]

I’m noticing that music and art are added to a handful of Montessori schools because they provide so many benefits for children and also help with the acquisition of skills found in the Montessori classroom. I’m so glad this is the case. I am a music teacher in both a Montessori school and a Waldorf school near me. :-)

[@klpropertylistings7094]

I guess we all could benefit from your opinion and experience as a teacher who teachers in both the systems. Can't wait to hear more from you =)

[@OhItsJustAspen]

I'm so grateful for your brain, passion, and insight! You've continuously been a resource for me to learn and improve my knowledge and intentionality in guiding children. ♡

[@hS-nt6pr]

If I was a child I feel like I would prefer Waldorf. Just startling to learn about all this but it sounds like a nice gentle environment while Montessori seems more harsh and cold.

[@slonemagyar1034]

I’m a 16 year old and I’m absolutely obsessed with your channel. I’ve always been super interested in parenting and before I knew what it was planned on a Montessori like parenting. But your videos have taught me so much about Montessori parenting and it’s pretty obvious that it’s the best method. Thank you so much for educating so many people on this wonderful teaching method!

[@mrsmadisonhickey]

I really appreciate you saying it’s okay to morph both approaches together. It kind of intimidated me to think I had to put myself in one specific box. That made me feel so much better! Thank you for all of your insight. :)

[@aroundtheworld1692]

I was a Montessori teacher and now a mother of 3. I absotutely in love with Montessori method. It is God sent method. I’ve seen improvement on my students age 2-4 including characters, writing, reading and love of learning within a month.

[@JessicaWelshRottman]

The amazing thing is that Dr. Montessori is NOT opposed to fantasy and pretend play at under age 6 - this was inaccurate information passed down through the decades, but she addresses it in The 1946 London Lectures. This book was a game-changer for me! Also, it turns out she supported appropriate use of technology at all ages! I was shown the article in a course I took, but I need to get a copy of it for myself. Another game changer!

[@eszterpuskas9375]

Have you ever worked in a authentic Montessori school? Or visited? The reality is that its not supported.

[@chromia79]

You explain it very clearly in 12:54 minutes, while I have spent the whole hours to find what is Montessori and Waldorf through internet. Thank you very much. Your explanation is clear, straight to the point and very understandable. Thank you

[@craigandjuliaakers7895]

The Waldorf pedagogy is very unique and not really discussed here. The early years in waldorf education are based on developing the child's 12- senses, grounding the child in seasonal rhythms, and beauty for the purposes of spiritual growth. Anthroposophy, which is the philosophy of Rudolph steiner, the founder of Waldorf, is a beautiful modality for education and worth looking into.

[@jlclarkeprojects]

Thanks for this description!!

[@horcrux87]

the negative aspects also fall short. When considering which to choose, you have to understand that Rudolf Steiner was a Nazi and the approach is deeply rooted in his worldviews. I'm german and I'm having a hard time putting everything I researched into (english) words, but my opinion is, that one should really look into the undelying philosophy.

[@sustainablelove]

Just because Rudolf Steiner was a white German man...doesn’t make him a nazi. 🙄. Furthermore, although a product dealing with HIS times 100 years ago...at the rise of the Industrial Age...where selfishness and greed were replacing morals and values...and where there was a different kind of racism and classism than we know these days...WHAT did Steiner DO? He created a school not just for the working elite children...but he actually stated he would not create a school UNLESS ALL children were free to come...meaning the poor, untouchable children too. Steiner felt this was the way to overcome this. He created a whole philosophy and educational method of causing to develop and developing children’s inner moral compass...so they don’t become selfish and greedy. Which is quite the uneducated opposite of the arguments levied against him.

[@cozycozy119]

@@horcrux87 Steiner died 1925 in Dornach, that is years before the take over of the Nazi's in Germany and it's horrible outcome. What you are probably pointing at is the overall Zeitgeist of Germany's society regarding the period of time and it's many struggles. Many people sympathized with ideas of the Nazis at the beginning (even some jews did) similar to many people sympathizing with the Afd and it's promises today, but that doesn't mean that they did later on. I don't want to say that Steiner was always right or "perfect". He was human and so probably had many flaws but that doesn't undermine the good things he did. Maybe the teachings of Steiner, same as nordic mythology, the ideals of the romantics, protestant believes etc. were appropriated by the Nazis, that just doesn't mean they are bad overall. To gain some insight in history and its effects we need to learn to differanciate.

[@TulilaSalome]

Yes indeed there is a lot of mystical woo woo in Waldorf education.

[@beeelllaaa1234]

It’s so interesting that you mention the avoidance of pretend play but that’s a huge developmental milestone for kids. I was an early childhood teacher and the Massachusetts developmental checklist made sure to emphasize it. I’ve noticed kids who don’t get pretend play get more nightmares and aren’t able to strengthen that mental muscle

[@CJ-im2uu]

Bella Pretend play also demonstrates how children intrepret the world. Sometimes it's an eye opener when kids role play teachers and parents.

[@alanahdickson]

Hi there, Montessori teacher here for children ages 0-3. There is a lot of evidence that suggests that children under the age of 6 need concrete experiences with the real world in order to have a full, complete understand of their surrounding community. Once they are able to reason, and truly understand reality from fantasy do we begin to introduce fantastical elements around ages 5/6. In fact, fantasy is really something that is greatly explored during the elementary years. It isn't that we "avoid" pretend play, it is that we have found, over the century of observing children, there lies a universal drive to want to interact with the world in real ways. In response, we provide opportunities to do just that. Why engage with a pretend kitchen when you have a real one that can make a real product, you know? That is the approach we take. In the prepared environment, we have dish washing, food preparation, cloth washing, sewing, wood polishing, care of plants etc.Many opportunities for children to explore the reality and JOY of life and how amazing it is! I hope this helps to clarify :)

[@beeelllaaa1234]

Alanah Dickson for sure! But it’s so interesting to give kids a pretend kitchen and not give them any actual kitchen toys and they use blocks and other toys to take place of plates and cups. My friend has a home daycare and she purposefully doesn’t include kitchen toys in the kitchen and kids as young as 12 months already start to pretend and make believe that their stick is a spoon.

[@LolaDelMarCaribe]

Righy! I agree 100% with your statement, working with ptescuiolera for several years I can say I fully believe the children CAN tell between reality and real life to assume they don't is underestimating their capabilities, I practiced child lead play and I can say the child would lead pretend fantasy play, the would tell me I am a crocodille and then whisper ( just pretending). They would lead dramatic play and understand the concept 100% to each their own I guess. I apply several concepts of Montessori but am not a 100% Montessori because there are areas I just don't agree with which is okay. I love the creative curriculum and add other curriculum aspects I feel enrich the childs development

[@laurenwilliams4830]

Another Montessori educator chiming in here. I think it’s important to distinguish imaginative play from fantasy play. The children in my Montessori toddler class engage in reality-based imaginative play all the time. They pretend to play house, cook food for each other, rock their babies, etc. this is self-directed by the children. We don’t encourage nor do we discourage it. We allow it to happen because this is where they are developmentally! Reality based imaginative play is age appropriate and we do not discourage it in the Montessori environment. Fantasy play is different. This is usually the introduction of fairy-tale characters like dragons, mermaids, fairies, etc. We do want our children to be rooted strongly in reality and they will make the natural transition into fantasy based play (around age 6). It’s interesting to observe that while I don’t engage in fantasy based play with my students (I’ve worked in toddler rooms and early childhood rooms), the children naturally choose reality based imaginative play because developmentally that is where they are. As Montessorians, we meet them where they are by not introducing fantasy based play that they aren’t ready for.

[@rebeccataylor7786]

I love what you said about blending philosophies to suit what feels right for your children and family.. I feel this is the case with anything.. We have to question what is right and trust our intuition.. I feel it's important to be flexible and avoid rigidity.. Working with different philosophies as beautiful and helpful guidelines not absolutes.. Thank you for your interesting video 💚🙏.

[@SableRain]

This was so helpful! I'm waiting to give birth to my first child any day now, and I'm gobbling up information on parenting methods while waiting. A blended method of Montessori and Waldorf similar to yours is very appealing to me. I have fond memories of creative play in the backyard, building fairy homes and pretending my dolls were adventurers in the wild, and I would like for my daughter to be able to enjoy her imagination as well.

[@rachellecastorillo7282]

Sable Rain Congratulations!! I’m the same. I do a mix. It’s fun to see my kids use their imagination and at the same time study real class work.

[@leawheeler4809]

I have been a Montessori Guide for the last 15 years and you gave a very accurate and clear picture of the Montessori philosophy and Methods. Thank you!

[@savannahvick5266]

When I was growing up I went to a Montessori school. I didn’t leave that environment until I was in the 2nd grade and we moved away from a Montessori school. I really loved the Montessori school and loved the environment. This experience is why I’m going to parent in the Montessori style.

[@sarahborrero]

im 19 and the product of a montessori education until the age of 12 and ive become montessori ta I love the montessori way it allows the children to explore and discover what they are good at and what they enjoy which allows them to become engaged in the classroom

[@SassyWinterFox]

I went to school in Finland and can definitely see the waldorf method. I moved to Australia for late primary years and have been behind in mathematics for a long time. However my skill in creativity and independent enquiry have strengthened my writing and science abilities. Planning baby #1 and I'll be doing a mix of the two as i am a teacher myself now and see benefit in both the core curriculum and creative freedom.

[@bonnieturner7426]

Personally our centre tweaks the ‘pretend play’ aspect as a) the children will naturally socially gravitate towards imaginative play scenarios and b) we observe significant interest in copying the things mum does at home! So beside our practical life activity corner with varying degrees of skill requirement we ALSO have a table with a ‘teapot’ and ‘mugs’ as well as some melon to ‘chop’ with wooden knife and share. In class is also a little shop wheee the toddlers practice their social language skills and build upon respectful communication skills . I love hearing about how other people do Montessori slightly differently and I love sharing the ways I have seen 😊❤️❤️❤️

[@bonnieturner7426]

AHA after watching further on I see you hold similar views! (I was ... a ... little sad thinking of kids not playin imaginatively lol)

[@Ahopek]

I really appreciated your acknowledgement that finding your family/parenting style need not be one or the other. I think a lot of parents would have much more motivation to incorporate ANY of these principles if they don't feel embarrassed to admit they don't follow any one approach perfectly. 👍

[@kp782]

As a montessori kid (26 now) I loved the approach there. It really encouraged me to be me ❤️

[@cjlloyd53]

I am also intrigued by the forest school method. I think it is especially important to connect our children to the environment if we expect them to understand and respect it. Overall, I feel all three methods have a lot of merit and lend themselves to blending.

[@absbi0000]

I’ve never heard of this method. Thank you for bringing it to light.

[@chanabina8121]

I am a Forest Kindergarten teacher, it is an incredible and essential model that is thankfully growing in popularity. It draws on many strong Waldorf themes and rhythms while placing such a huge and important emphasis on building deep loving relationship with nature. My mentors have referred to the early childhood years in a forest kindergarten as falling in love with nature, thereby setting the stage for deep care and desire to help the earth later in life ( they have called this marriage counseling to repair our broken relationship with the earth) .

[@chanabina8121]

Definitely worthwhile to learn more about it!

[@ununhexium]

Very helpful, thank you! I worked for a bit at a Montessori school but Waldorf seems so intriguing.

[@Playing_with_a_Purpose]

I love the freedom to offer a blended approach in my daycare. I love so many things about the Montessori way yet there are so many benefits from other learning styles as well!

[@samanthaclostermery6870]

Head heart and hands for the Waldorf approach reminds me of the 4-H program. I’m definitely ensuring my son does 4-H. It taught me many practical and creative activities to use in everyday life.

[@TheFamilyVonPapp]

I met a lady who had been a teacher in Europe (can’t remember where) at a Waldorf school. She said that Montessori teaching worked great for children who had been institutionalized (orphanages/hospitals/etc) who needed remedial training in basic social and education principles to function normally. She didn’t believe that a healthy, well adjusted child needed the level of strict structure and lack of free play that a child that was basically starting at step one of social development at a delayed age did. She favored the Waldorf approach for the average child that didn’t have milestone delays do to isolation/lack of emotional/mental development.

[@kathrynw9465]

Just an additional thought about the postponement of math and language learning, I would say it isn't necessarily because it isn't enjoyable..with reference to the 'three-fold being' concept, children gradually awaken through the levels of human evolution, and reading and writing came relatively late. As such, deep literacy, or preliteracy is important, and developed through oral storytelling, the arts, and imaginative play. Thank you for your videos! So clear and knowledgeable.

[@kathleenmccullough4785]

Perfectly said.And I second the thank you for the video. It was nice to hear the knowledgeable comparison.

[@adriannavanoyen]

Yes, yes, yes! I am all about blending philosophies into what works best for your family, no one theory for education is going to fully encompass the diversity of humans and a great deal of these philosophies were created long before computers were ever readily available in the home. Personally, I can't fathom limiting my child's creativity and not raising a technologically literate one in this day and age- especially with my husband as a software engineer, he's so excited to get our daughter into coding when she's older as both a wonderful tool for building/tinkering and creativity in a digital space.

[@alaynal467]

Thank you for this video! I’m in several Montessori groups and have been doing a lot of research into different approaches to early childhood Ed. I love the idea of having a Montessori home but also want to incorporate open ended toys and imaginative play so I really appreciate your balanced perspective. It doesn’t have to be either or. ☺️

[@kelleenbrx6649]

My host sister in Germany went to a Waldorf school. The part I found most interesting was learning 3 languages from Kindergarten on. If students come from a bilingual home, they offer great opportunities to grow in both, as well as acquire a third.

[@kionaki86]

I’m glad you added the clip around the 10min mark. I used to be a Montessori teacher. Currently a SAHM. Like you, I run a 98%-ish Montessori home. I follow my toddler and found that she likes imaginative play, especially at her ikea kitchen corner. It helped with her language acquisition, motor skills, interactive play with others, etc.... so I don’t see anything negative with imaginative play. Got to be less rigid and more adaptive with the approaches. All children are different!

[@sassypants7536]

kionaki86 I agree with you. I found that even in a Montessori classroom with no "imaginary play" props, children would still seek it out, and attempt it with what they could use. Which tells me it's a vital part of child development.

[@sophieminter0]

Are you Mormon by any chance? No hate, I just recently realized that a lot of Mormon mom's say they are "SAHM"s

[@kionaki86]

@@sophieminter0 hi there, no I’m not.

[@carinacorrea1976]

I've just found your video and I'm a mom of two little kids who happens to be homeschooling right now because of this pandemic and I really enjoyed your revision of the two teaching methods 😊 but what I like the most was the added part almost at the end, where you clarify that we can use blended teaching approaches 😊 and, in my opinion, that's fantastic because it's where the most of the efforts and energy put into teaching come together as a whole. Thanx for sharing your thoughts. Hugs from Patagonia, Argentina 🤗

[@thehousespouse]

I love this comparison. Thank you. I've seen so many that are not objective, they are clearly trying to promote one approach and have a not so subtle dig at the other approach.

[@joseejohnstun4641]

THANK YOU for that addition at the end. I totally agree. We do a lot of Montessori stuff in our home, but there are a lot of things we don’t do! Same with Waldorf. We totally pick and choose each of the aspects of how we raise our children.

[@kylabranaman4840]

I love your added part about blending the two. The one part of Montessori that I wasn’t 100% convinced on was the imaginative play. My imagination was my absolute favorite part of my childhood. Thank you for sharing all the information that you do! 😁💗

[@sandrapetrykowski3329]

I mostly attended Waldorf education throughout my school years and I loved it. It really made my childhood feel magical, and equipped me with lots of practice life skills and love for aesthetics and creativity. What’s stood out the most for me though was the home-like feeling and I loved that we were encouraged to play in ways that helped express ourselves, ie through pretend play - that was truly magical. But sometimes some things, especially as I got older, verged on esoteric and completely out of touch. But watching your videos, I’m absolutely enthralled by the Montessori approach and love how much it encourages independence, problem solving, and instils love of learning. However, I am surprised by the lack of imagination, fantasy and pretend play in the Montessori approach. It seems far more methodical than imaginative. So ultimately, from my personal experience and research, I truly think a blended approach by picking out the best elements of each approach is ideal: imaginative and playful but not esoteric and mystical and child-led and practical but not soulless.

[@peterk.6093]

Exactly what I think. A good blend, a reasonable inspiration by all that is good in these systems (and several more) would be optimal. I also cannot go for Waldorf because of that esoteric, sectarian approach. Still, I love certain things they apply, as they do not forget about the body and its feelings and experience. If I was rich enough I would create a school like this in my best knowledge.

[@moonbread2334]

Yeah! I was surprised to hear the two models stand on such extreme opposite poles in terms of imaginative play. There has to be a middle ground!

[@risanaomi4958]

I’d be interested to know what specifically became out of touch/esoteric if you ever see this and could take the time to share..

[@ltmg9832]

💯 Exactly what I was thinking after watching this video and contemplating, and what to provide for my kidlets. Very interesting!

[@Saboramii]

Not soulless precisely!

[@jessicasaniga2974]

I love both approaches. I’m all for the blended approach. I’m working on Implementing that idea with my toddler and baby to be. However, My oldest was switched from public school to a Waldorf charter school in 2nd grade. She is now in 6th. It was the best thing we did for her.

[@claudiacooper1934]

I am a trained Montessori teacher who has taught at 3 Montessori schools in Missouri and 2 schools in Ohio. Also I am familiar with the practices of several other Montessori schools and I think it is safe to say that most Montessori schools in the U S today have a blended approach. For example all of the schools where I taught encouraged a circle time where the teacher led such activities as calendar activities, study of seasons, weather, etc, also a story time session which might be a part of the calendar session or held separately. One school where I taught already had a play kitchen although I would not have chosen it. I did music activities with my students which involved creative movement as well as the use of musical instruments. It is important for parents to realize that anyone can actually call their school Montessori. I regularly read stories to my students, some of which were fantasy, however I regularly had students determine whether a story was real or pretend and they were amazingly accurate in making these distinctions. I am also aware of schools which label themselves as true Montessori and do not include art or music in the curriculum because Maria M supposedly did not have a curriculum for these areas. Another horror story I'm aware of is a school which did not allow the children to cry because that wasn't consistent with Montessori practices?...!? I appreciate your video as an introduction to the 2 methods of Montessori and Waldorf however I Encourage parents to visit the school with your child at all costs and do some research of your own. It is just not advise able to assume things are a certain way because of the school's title. And before I get off my soap box I want to add that The state of Ohio has licensing rules which are unworkable for a Montessori environment.

[@carmenlooove6173]

I'm glad you mentioned this, because I've been following this channel for a while. We live in Ohio, and I wish for my 8mo daughter to receive a Montessori education when she's ready for preschool. I've been doing research and there are schools in Ohio which call themselves "Montessori" and it's suddenly giving me second thoughts.

[@aprildehm117]

@@carmenlooove6173 You definitely need to check them all out and check the teachers certifications. Some say they are Montessori educators, but then don't have the accreditation.

[@emoXjessiX2030]

I do a mix or modern, Montessori and Waldorf. I have 3 kids and they all learn and play so different from each other. It’s fun to see what they do and the phases of their learning and interests.

[@spiritflower6640]

I appreciate this informative video :) i appreciate the way you you condense and encapsulate these two different approaches to educating children. My understanding about why things like the reading and science and the math aren't taught at the younger ages in the Waldorf approach, is because it's not considered developmentally appropriate for where their energy is naturally at that time in their development... not simply because the activities are less enjoyable... also, my kids went to Waldorf based curriculum School from 3rd-8th grades, the handwork was really important part of the curriculum; from yarn work like knitting,sewing and other types of fabric work and woodworking, etc for the developmental reasons for their brains, but also for the empowerment/life skills and also helping them to make things that they needed for plays that they present or things for their classroom. Music is also important part of both approaches, in similar and different applications... thank you again, for this video 😊

[@EveArtie]

So so so helpful! Thank you from Australia. I have worked in a Montessori school in the past. We now live in an alternative area which only has a Steiner school and a variety of other styles of schools. We are fortunate enough to have such a variety. Montessori plus pretend play, story telling and fantasy suits us perfectly 💜💜

[@bernieburnalot]

My dear, you are my Golden Goose. I have learned so much from you in such a short amount of time. Keep ROCKIN IT!

[@ManShellz234]

I find these comments as well as this video very insightful

[@madamehogan8553]

There are also schools that are "inspired" in that they pull elements from these and other philosophies and put it all together as needed according to the learning style and needs of the child or class. This can be found in a good public school classroom as well as independent private schools or home learning environments. I really like that you include "how you parent" in this discussion as well as the choice of outside schooling. I was raised in public schools but my mother nurtured the "Waldorf" needs in me, at home and in my activities. My sister's needs were very different than mine, so the home provided for that as well. We were lucky! I raised my 3 in their formative years in a child-led, nurturing creativity way, and they branched out from there.

[@glassmoth7008]

My Granddaddy learned teaching from Mr. Montessori's personal assistant. I never heard the rule about fantasy, but I love your deep understanding and you are teaching me so much every day. Thank you for your videos! I lost my momentum in 2020, but I am getting it back now that I am healed from grieving.... and much more. I am implementing our routine and organizing, and I am going to end up using a combination of these things while I am still doing at home teaching and hybrid learning.

[@Mari-iv8ce]

Waldorf kid here! If anyone is interested in waldorf education i highly recommend it! Of course, different people will thrive in different environments and waldorf isn't for everyone. I know a few people who left waldorf in middle school and they did much better in public school! Also, my school specifically, does not have the proper resources to fully support students with different learning capabilities. That's one thing that I wish they would do better, but as far as I know, it's simply not where they are putting their efforts right now. My experience with waldorf, specifically socially has been great. My brother who is 6 years older than me, started waldorf in kindergarten. He was in first grade when I was born so i have been in the community my entire life. I went to two different waldorf style preschools before starting at the main school. Fortunately, the school that i went to was k-12, so by the time I was done with pre-k i moved on to the one school i would be at for my whole childhood. It's rather small, about 400 students total. This helped to cultivate incredibly strong friendships that have lasted for years and its helped to lessen unhealthy social hierarchies. We didn't really have "cool kids", "jocks", or "nerds". Sure, there were people who were interested in sports and people who were interested in more "nerdy" things, but no one was better than anyone else. My classes fifth grade year was very dramatic and toxic, but with regular check-ins and our teacher helping us to develope healthy communication we got through it and never had issues like that again. By the time we got to middle school, many of the students, including myself often talked about wishing we had more of a social life outside of waldorf. I decided to start doing activities outside of theschooll because I was desperate to see more of the world. Luckily, waldorf had prepared me very well for interacting with new people. Most waldorf kids are rather articulate and sociable. From a young age we regularly practice firm hand shakes, good eye contact, clear speech, putting our thoughts into words, etc. So i found it very easy to discuss almost any topic with any person. Sure, some of that is just how i am naturally, a social butterfly. But waldorf definitely helped to cultivate it in me. Its very clear, all throughout the years, that the teachers really value and respect the children. For me, that became even more clear once I got to high school. The teachers became more like friends than looming disciplinary figures. Of course, we weren't exactly peers, but they actively showed their respect towards us by asking genuine questions, waiting for genuine responses, and giving us the space to talk, whether in a meeting, a class, or somewhere else. Even if some things were slow to change, they did hear us out and change did happen. We got the amount of homework lessened, we got rid of the dress code, etc. All of my teachers were incredibly well educated and interesting people. Now, it wasn't all rainbows and sunshine. There are definitely issues within the school that i went to, but that is to be expected. The thing thats been sticking with me, is that i wish the teachers understood how to help a student with anxiety, depression, etc, more than they do. I experienced multiple situations where i had panick attacks at school and teachers mishandled them quite a bit. So if you want to send your child to -- i was going to say waldorf, but any school really -- then i suggest asking how they handle panick attacks and other mental health situations, because they will happen at the school and it may involve your child. Alright, now that I've written a freaking journal entry, I'm gonna close this out. Thanks for reading, i hope it helped you in some way. -Mariana lee class of 2020✌️

[@christyhenry7315]

Thank you for discussing mental health issues, and being so honest. Your contribution may be just what some child needs their parents to hear❤️

[@sweetestsammyy]

Hi Ashley, 17 year old here not even close to having her own children. Though, I have been engrossed in your videos and the Montessori method for almost four months now. Your methods of explaining things are amazing, and only leaving me wanting more! I am going into university to become a primary school teacher, and because of your videos, it's leading me to want to teach at a Montessori school! Keep up with the amazing videos and can't wait for more. Happy early birthday for both Kylie and Mia!

[@wheremywildthingsare1748]

I’m going to mostly homeschool (my kiddos might take a few classes at a charter school) and I plan to mix both methods as to what works for my kids. I just love both methods so much! Thank you for this video, it is such a wonderful informant.

[@starlessstephtx]

You rock! My son turns one on the 17th, and it's been super cool to have another baby to watch grow up at the same time as my boy! He drinks outta the little shot glass, we bought the crinkle cutter and i just trust your recommendations! Thanks from a first time Momma!!

[@MotownDan]

Thank you so much, Ashley. I'm definitely watching this again and take notes. As I listened, I realized that the German kindergarten (0-6y) my boys went to is mostly Waldorf, though they don't put a label on the door. I was observing the practices through neither the lens of Montessori or Waldorf, but plain basic neuroscience and social psychology, to figure if this or that would be effective for the intended learning goals. To now screen everything through these two popular lenses is very interesting, too. Your talk is so informative. Thank you for putting in the time to make this.

[@txsrose333]

I am a Montessori educator and we do allow imaginative play in class and outside. I have dress up , props, felt board/ felt animal , people etc and story building puppets in a basket. Thank you for your video. We also have peace curriculum. I would love to learn more about the 5-8 year span educating children in Waldorf. How to children write name, identify name, learn number of age etc in Waldorf. I am intrigued by various learning styles! Thank you for your video

[@kapkone]

There was plenty roleplay and imaginative play at my son's montessori nursery. All the teachers were montessori trained, it was not just montessori in name.

[@sassypants7536]

Mary Christiansen I'm an early childhood teacher, but I did a 3 month teaching stint in a Montessori classroom. Aspects of it I really liked - practical life, and the fact that they used real things for a real purpose. But I really struggled with the structure of it as a teacher and the active discouragement of imaginary play (at least in the classroom I was in). I like the ideas behind Montessori, but the practice I found it hard to get behind. I find the RIE philosophy of respectful practice to be much more in line with my teaching style. It's very similar to Montessori in ideals and philosophy, (child led, child is capable of directing their own learning, using real tools and practical tasks such as cooking, cleaning up etc) but has a holistic play based philosophy. Children aren't taken away from free play to be taught a specific task in a specific way.

[@marthasbullock]

Maybe someone has made this comment already, but I’d just like to note that in addition to the ‘main lesson’ teacher, children have multiple other teachers who come to the classroom, so they are exposed to more than one teacher’s way of doing things. Both my daughters were at a Waldorf school. One had a rear experience, the other not good at all. I love the Waldorf approach, but it’s not for everyone. It can also be very rigid, not recognizing individual needs. One of my daughters started reading early, on her own, which was not encouraged. I like a lot about Montessori but I’m bewildered to learn about now imaginative play’. It’s a natural part of development, and helps children solve emotional and developmental growth challenges.

[@365daysofveronica]

I had no idea that Montessori didn’t encourage fantasy play and what not. I couldn’t imagine my childhood without it 😱. Definitely love both aspects of both styles though! Thank you for also stating that it’s okay to use a blended approach!

[@Czadzikable]

Yeah, I was shocked when she said about Montessori *discouraging* fantasy play and not introducing any fiction stories until above 6yo! I've heard, read and watched bits and pieces about Montessori approach and never came across that aspect of it... And I'm struggling to understand why would they discourage that?? It seems like depriving children of an important and beautiful aspect of the world /part of their development!

[@365daysofveronica]

Czadzikable yeah I don’t understand why they discourage it? I’m sure there’s a reason behind it but I personally don’t like that aspect. To each their own though I suppose!

[@alika207]

From what I know, kids can engage in imaginative play that focuses on real life, such as play kitchens, playing house, doll houses, and things like that, but they make a distinction between imaginative play that is reality-based and imaginative play that is fantasy based. Fantasy is not introduced until about age 6 because then the brain is able to distinguish between reality and fantasy.

[@Arginne]

They make a distinction between fantasy play and imaginative play.

[@LissaxKristine]

As a former preschool/toddler teacher, I've developed my own, personal teaching style. I feel like Waldorf reminds me a LOT of what I saw when I watched Barney and Friends growing up. I, personally like using a mixture of different methods for education. Obviously, there are some things that are a bit contradictory like holding off on traditional learning with Waldorf and teaching those skills at an earlier age for Montessori, but I believe in simply having those materials available. If a child is interested in learning how to read at the age of 3 (I was starting to read when I was around 2-3), I think it should be encouraged. I like the idea of telling stories by reading them from a book or simply by TELLING the story using puppets or felt boards. I worked in a "Montessori" preschool (though I used quotations there for a reason) and I ALMOST got a job working as a teacher for a Waldorf preschool co-op (but had to turn it down because the job went from 3 days a week down to 1) so I've done research on both, but I haven't exactly seen either method in practice outside of educational videos.

[@julietrae526]

A few years away from babies with my spouse just yet (not long I hope) but I have been researching parenting styles for years as I grew up in a home daycare constantly surrounded by young children 6m-5yrs old mostly and have had experience in a classroom setting as a teaching assistant. All this accompanied by my toxic father figure growing up made me very aware that I needed to look at parenting from many angles so when we do have kids, our home is a nurturing, not a toxic environment. Montessori has been on my radar for a few years now, my spouse and I always discuss what we want in our future parenting style, what may or may not work for us as I have a physical disability and require crutches to walk which makes the floor the safest place at times. So I joked a lot about changing baby on the floor, a much lower crib & how important it will be for our kids to learn independence and everyday tasks. Montessori seemed to match up really well, minus my love of unicorns and my spouse's technology-based work at home. Seeing your video was really helpful today, I am definitely going to look into Waldorf, see how I might be able to use bits of each to make the right sort of environment when we have kids. It is always wonderful to feel a sort of mental relief when you find the information you were looking for, I am glad I found your channel. I apologize for the run-on sentences though.

[@erinwheelock4234]

Thank you so much for posting this - it's just what I asked for! :) I love the idea of combining methods, which is what I am trying to do myself. I appreciate the creativity that is encouraged in Waldorf but I like the practical side of Montessori. I've heard the term Waldessori and I think that's perfect!

[@salster3938]

This video really help me to see the difference between the two and the similarities. I’m currently doing a project on Montessori and Steiner (Waldorf) as part of my early years course in college.

[@BulletsThroughDoves]

If your project is available through a PDF file or otherwise readable online, could you please send me a link? I'd love to see the finished project and it'd be great to read of all you've learned while also learning it myself :D

[@jenniemcclintock7060]

I began my teaching career in a Montessori school and I am so grateful for that foundation. However, as a parent my children are homeschooled/attend a Waldorf school.

[@annaw7437]

I laughed when you said that in the Waldorf method learning numbers and alphabet is postponed as it's considered not so enjoyable. Just shows how autism goes its own path regardless of any methods or assumptions. My son's most favourite play/toy in the world is numbers and letters (and colours), like everyday. Lining up, saying, singing them, watching various videos about them (YT), he is already starting to spell 3 letter words (initiated by himself entirely; he is 2.5yo). Thank you for clarifying the differences. Really helped me to understand x

[@1timbarrett]

Two blurred areas with early childhood education are 1) catering to special-needs individuals and 2) what to do with biters. There is always a biter…!😮

[@phoeberogers5573]

I had never really understood the difference and I must say that Waldorf education sounds the way I would like to go..thank you very much for the information xx

[@leannejordan377]

Appreciate the comparison. I love that you use a blended approach to fit your family, totally makes sense. It doesn’t need to be all or nothing! And I also appreciate the blip with the camera, who wants to be perfect anyway! Great video!

[@HapaFamily]

Thank you 🙏🏻 ☺️

[@kristintanner2046]

Really enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing. It’s my understanding that the Montessori educational approach includes imaginative play but Not fantasy before age 6. It’s important to discriminate between the two. Imaginative play as in the blocks can construct a building or a forest (imaginative) but a fairy will always be a fairy (fantasy).

[@Ezzyyie]

I enjoyed your video, I have always been very curious about the Walddorf philosophy. I am a montessori student and contrary to what you said, fantasy and imagination is really encouraged and nurtured, in the sence that when there is a demonstration of how to use the montessori material, the kids are not expected to do it as demonstrated, they can use their imagination and creativity to fantasies whatever takes their fancy. When playing with mainstream boardgames (at home) they can make up their own rules. They don't play dress up but that doesn't mean their imagination is not nurtured. It is the job of the teacher to demonstrate clearly and slowly how to use the material but not how the kids should actually do it.

[@mariamaloos-diallo5629]

Hi, thank you for this video. Both of these learning approaches have so much to offer. As a waldorf alumni and now a waldorf teacher, I will say that your explanation that you use mostly Montessori methods was unsurprising. There are many things that I wish were better understood about Waldorf education but I'd like to clear up one misunderstanding. Briefly: it centers on a philosophy of child development and the pedagogy is intimately linked with where the child is in there development, year to year. THIS is why academic subjects like math and reading are begun in grade 1. It has nothing to do with what is interesting. Math and Reading/writing are fascinating! As is anything new that we can learn or teach! As with any topic, it's about the timing. Subjects are introduced when children are most ready to grasp them deeply. Thank you.

[@paulavoytov9649]

thank you very much!!! finally i understood the difference (nowhere i found such clear and easy explanation)! THANK YOU VERY MUCH for it!!!!

[@OldSchoolArchery]

I find it curious that the Montessori approach encourages no imaginative play until the age of 6 as imaginary play is a key development area for children that is used to determine any developmental delays (at least here in the UK it is). So while I understand no fantasy because its removed from reality, I don't understand the benefits of no imaginary play as this is often a way children learn to interract with one another and learn about how things work in the world that they maybe don't take part in day to day i.e. a play kitchen, they won't be cooking in real life but they see a parent doing it and reinact that and learn the steps of cooking that way. If there's anyone that would care to explain this I would be open to learning about it.

[@rachelmeier6514]

I know this was posted quite awhile ago, but I know the reason! I’m an elementary-trained Montessori teacher (AMI), so I’d love to hear the Waldorf perspective, as well! The idea in Montessori is that children younger than 6 do not fully have “imagination” yet, and have difficulty distinguishing imaginary things from reality. We want to encourage the young child to be fully grounded in reality before asking them to engage their imagination. I will say that once we do ask them to engage their imagination-in lower elementary (ages 6-9)-we really go for it! We talk about the development of the universe, the earth, life on earth, and a variety of historical civilizations and concepts, all of which require the use of their imagination. Many of these concepts are introduced with a “Great Story” that is told with a great deal of drama and excitement, and explicitly asks the children to imagine. As far as play kitchens and playing house go, I think the Montessori answer to that would be that those children are pretending because they aren’t allowed to actually do those things. They should be allowed to contribute and help in the home, and actually cook, rather than just pretending.

[@yummynutellacupcake]

caught this just as it was published! great content - very informative. props to you for including the bit about adopting a blended approach!

[@Ash.ash.36]

Would love to see a, “follow the child” example. Maybe a day where you just film what you do from start to finish?:) like we do breakfast and then then do this and so on... sometimes I find myself putting the activity in front of them first and not sure if that’s right? Anyways loved the video thanks!:)

[@HapaFamily]

I’m not sure that I could really do a video demonstration of how I “follow” my children, as it is not literally following them around. It’s much more of an internal reflection process on my part, and it happens randomly as I notice my kids playing. Not all day every day, just in the moment when they happen. 👍🏻☺️ if it’s a “day in the life” video that you’re looking for (which is what it sounds like), then there is one of those in the Montessori at Home playlist already. 👍🏻💕

[@stacey738]

I think it's not a literal 'follow' in the sense that they decide when to eat/sleep/play etc. I think schedule and routine is really important and boundaries set by the parents are healthy. My understanding - and what I do with my daughter - is that I pay attention to what she's playing with. When she plays, she has several options to choose from. Which toys does she choose more often? What activities does she gravitate to? For example, she's at the age where she LOVES pockets. Putting things in and out of pockets, and transferring, is just so much fun for her. So I sewed her a set of pockets on a hanging on the wall in her play area so she can use that as an activity and store her small toys there if she wants to. This way, I've observed what she's interested in and presented her with something to encourage her interest. I observe and let her decide what to play with, and then choose similar activities. This can also be done with life skills. Strugging to put shoes on? give her some (clean) indoor slippers to practise with. Struggling to use a spoon? Give her a spoon scooping activity. Etc. (by "give" here I just mean "make available in the environment" rather than literal 'give' and tell her to play with them)

[@beccajpage]

Follow the child refers more to following their lead to what materials are introduced next. Where are they next, what should be rotated in that allows them a challenge, not too easy but not too hard as a progression forward. Do read some of Maria's books for further info she is amazing!

[@avrilasson7325]

My daughter attends a Waldorf school for homeschoolers twice a week. She absolutely loves it. Noticed her creativity increased. She has a lot of questions about science and nature. We have a KZbin channel showing our science lessons and some math. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3OpYa17bJ6cgtk

[@pomminnie]

I have the same exact problem. Maybe I'm not a very insightful mother...I just don't seem to know what will suit my child at this moment from what he does...meh...

[@cieloichigo3156]

Wow. These are great info! Specially to a parent who's weeding her way to montessori! Thanks Ashley! ❤ 😁😁

[@mariahrnorth]

This is the perfect unbiased video I was looking for! Thank you for sharing :)

[@Shahar.Kadosh]

thank you! I was just thinking of mixing the two at home schooling when you said you do it as well. I have this wired idea of doing some Montessori activities in the morning, and some Waldorf activities in the afternoon-evening time. something about the rainbow colored everything kinda wakes me up! and the all wooden environment is really soothing before bedtime...

[@d0ttiej]

Yessssssa piece them together to work for hour family because holy hell no imaginative play would be insane for us.

[@tanyadolgovsky4234]

So, when a Waldorf child is assessed for the 1st grade (where reading and math capabilities are tested), they will fall in the back of the line... it sounds like a fun place for toddlers but not pre-schoolers. My son is showing incredible independence and self-awareness after 3.5 years at Montessori. This was the best decision for our family. Also, you mentioned that Waldorf children spend as much time outdoors as possible. The same is true for Montessori kids. Our school has 20 acres of woods behind the school where children go every day to explore, learn, build shelters and feeders for animals. You are correct, for most families it would be a combination of the two approaches. The most important part is for the child to be happy wherever they are!

[@jamiesilver7401]

I'll have to disagree on the whole "waldorf kids will fall to the back of the line". I went to a waldorf school from 5th to 8th grade, the kids in my class were incredibly intelligent. Especially when it came to English language arts/reading, most of the class was advanced. We also had a competition in 7th grade to see who could memorize the most digits of pi, multiple students memorized over 100 digits, and the winner memorized 250 (within the span of about 3 weeks). We also memorized a 70 stanza poem, put on a Shakespeare play, and two musicals, among other things. The only thing I'd say we weren't great at was algebraic math. But that was more because our teacher wasn't that great at teaching it. The only downside to waldorf is that most classes will eventually be split up to go to middle school or high school. I know my class had formed very strong emotional bonds, and many of us suffered from depression after having to transfer into public high school. Even now my best friends and I wish we could go back, unfortunately they don't except collage students lol.

[@morgansackett4133]

I love your comparison. I think it is extremely useful to parents who are trying to decide which method fits best for their family. Even more so if you are tying to do it at home, both take an extreme amount of research and preparation to set up the correct environment and practice to do it right. Especially if you don't have a background to fall back on. The one thing that stood out is when you said that your current approach was only 98% Montessori, because of the allowance of imaginative play. I don't think this is in violation of Dr. Montessori's approach at all. All children need this, and it is a necessary means of exploring your skills, knowledge and social capacity. Imaginative play is highly incorporated into the primary levels as a way of teaching one another skills and exploring your community and larger world. However, in Montessori it is generally done in a more integrated and constructive way. I do not mean to disregard any other approach, but it takes into account the overall wholistic methodology. In the classroom there is a bit more regimen, but there is plenty of free time. Things change drastically as children age and develop in the class as more academic goals are pursued.

[@headerahelix]

Two of my husband's cousins attended a Steiner (Whaldorf) school. When I met them they were very reserved, never spoke to or even acknowledged me. They would whisper to each other and message each other on their phones. They're now both doing their own thing, did ok academically.

[@Hanhumphries]

So funny! I was literally just looking up what Waldorf was and the alert for your video alert popped up! 👏 saves me so much time reading through rubbish articles! Thank you!!

[@lukasdussler5118]

Google Steiner schools + racism. Then make up your mind

[@ccpperrett7522]

Thank you for this video. As a grand parent this helps me to understand the charter school my grand children attend. I did not understand the difference between Montessori ans Waldorf. I now understand their school teaches with the Waldorf approach.

[@DJUniMekaju]

It sounds like both are needed, to be honest. Both work each side of the brain.

[@BreeAeaBzB]

Thank you for putting this video together. I'm just now beginning my research between the two education philosophies and you've laid out the information perfectly. So much so that I subscribed to your channel :)

[@spicat16]

Completely agree with Waldorf learning. I believe Children need to express their imagination & fantasy story play & formal school is not needed till 1st grade. 👍💯 Definitely love natural materials & creating toys.

[@Lollilenaa]

Fantasy play definitely was the best part of childhood, I cannot imagine it being not a part of other kid's lives😱

[@rustyspoonss]

I went to a waldorf school, I think they're a bit different in the uk though, there was only 400 students from age 7 - 18. But honestly I feel like it made me who I am, I did come out of it with a very wide array of "real world" skills.

[@sustainablelove]

We are more of a Waldorf family with a touch of Montessori. I thank you for your well thought out description of Montessori, I learned more about it than I knew before. As for Waldorf, I feel you don’t give a fair comparison. Where Montessori is follow the child, Waldorf would be lead the child from the background...as Waldorf leaves nothing to chance. This is where the two philosophies are quite opposite. Indeed, as a mom and now a grandma of special needs children...this point cannot be emphasized enough. Montessori is great IF your child can and will naturally develop by osmosis....but will leave the child unsupported IF the child doesn’t just magically develop. Whereas in Waldorf, child development isn’t left to chance and nothing in the Waldorf approach is arbitrary...indeed, it’s all there for a reason. Early childhood movement activities are designed to cross 3 midlines to ensure the two hemispheres of the brain connect. Verses, poems, and most especially stories are told to ensure child will develop a love for language...where many Montessori rooms are devoid of this. In Waldorf, it’s considered 0-7 children learn by imitation...thus, mom and environment are role models...beauty in everything, quality toys. Steiner said: toys should not offend the child’s senses. So mothers and teachers (which in Waldorf are designed to be like mothers...which is why follow the children, they create a mother/child relationship of sorts)...they bake, knit, read...and do the activities that they want they child to partake in. Waldorf Schools are thee only schools and environments, who by intentional design are sensory friendly and subdued. Montessori are brightly colored. My daughter’s joke about the difference between Waldorf and Montessori is...Waldorf (which thinks of everything)....gives the child a doll, with minimal features that a child can have fullest range of imagination, that is stuffed with wool so as to radiate the child’s warmth back to them like a real living being....whereas Montessori gives them a real baby to diaper. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Anyways, hopefully I helped you learn a little more about Waldorf...in the way you helped me learn more about Montessori ❤️

[@jayakishoreanish3119]

Thank you for this incredibly detailed explanation 😊

[@corinalina]

Thank you for the very informative video. You make a very good comparison between both educational styles touching on the relevant items that a parent would be looking for when enrollong a child in a school. One thing that strikes me as curious is the fact that Waldorf schools do not start reading a writing lessons until grade 1. I am living in Germany and this is the case in all schools, including state schools.

[@zsooofii19]

Really, really loved this video, love how educational it is and how respectfully you talked about the Waldorf approach even though you mostly usw the Montessori one. Great video! ❤️