As someone who does not believe in a “one size fits all” approach to education, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about these three alternative philosophies. I am not dogmatic in my teaching and believe that it is not necessary to follow any of these “to a T” in order to gain the benefits. But rather, picking and choosing certain elements from each may offer the best educational experience for the child.
As a little disclaimer, I will state that I am not an expert or professionally trained in any of the following approaches. Please use this article as inspiration to do your own research and get more information on these methods in order to fit them with your own student’s or family’s individual needs.
1. Montessori
The Montessori Method (founded by Dr. Maria Montessori) is an educational approach that fosters self motivated learning through hands-on activities. Montessori education is student-led and self-paced. The Montessori classroom is multi-aged and is notoriously well organized. You will find child-sized furniture and a clean minimalistic environment. The materials for each activity are placed on a tray and laid out on a shelf for the children to choose from.
WHAT I LOVE:
-Use of on hands-on, kinesthetic materials
-Sense of choice, freedom, and autonomy for the child
-Focus on practical life skills
-Fosters independence in children
-Minimalistic environment
-Teachers support & guide but don’t instruct
-Laid-back, nurturing atmosphere
-Mixed age classrooms
Downsides
-Activities have a right way and a wrong way
-Curriculum doesn’t always value creativity
-Discourages fantasy play
MONTESSORI INSPIRATION FOR MUSIC LESSONS:
I love the Montessori approach and incorporate so much of this style into my teaching. I find that children of all ages are much more focused and engaged in their lessons and practice when they have hands-on manipulatives.
2. Waldorf
Waldorf education (founded by Rudolf Steiner) integrates the arts into all academic disciplines. Beginning in the early childhood program and continuing into later grades, Waldorf education values imagination and creativity. The Waldorf approach seeks to nurture the whole child; “the head, the heart, and the hands.” This threefold learning process of “thinking, feeling, and doing” allows students to take an active role in their education becoming independent thinkers and problem solvers. Surprisingly, in a Waldorf school, teachers typically stay with the same group of children for five to eight years! This allows them to develop a strong relationship with each student and better understand their development, needs, and learning style.
WHAT I LOVE
-Waldorf’s approach to early childhood
-Integration of the arts into all academic disciplines
-Prioritizes creativity & imagination
-Nurtures the whole child
-Teaching methods are appropriately tailored to the child’s developmental stages
-Students take an active role in their education
-Teachers develop long-term relationship with students
Downsides
Rudolph Steiner also developed a philosophy called Anthroposophy. Although this is not taught directly in Waldorf Schools, Waldorf teachers do study Anthroposophy and may use insights from Steiner’s work to apply to their students’ development and education.
Another potential downside is very little technology is used in a traditional Waldorf environment. (This could also definitely be seen as a benefit, depending on your perspective!)
WALDORF INSPIRATION FOR MUSIC LESSONS
For me, one of the biggest take-aways from Waldorf (particularly in the early childhood setting) is the sense of wonder and enchantment that can be created in the classroom. The Waldorf atmosphere is magical. From the way the teachers create a sense of family with their students to the way the environment is filled with soft, beautiful colors, this approach clearly captures the essence of childhood. I resonate so well with the Waldorf way, where creativity, imagination, and play are at the heart of education.
3. Reggio Emilia
The Reggio Emilia approach was developed in Italy after WWII when the community was looking to rebuild their schools and create a new progressive way of learning. The name Reggio Emilia actually comes from the city in Italy where it was founded.
A Reggio inspired model of education focuses on student/teacher collaboration and follows an interest based curriculum. It is centered around the belief that all children have high potential and are capable, competent, and creative. The environment is seen as the third teacher and is designed in a way that ignites and supports learning.
Reggio inspired teachers treasure the many ways children explore the world and express themselves. This belief that children use art, music, language, movement, experimentation, relationships, and many other avenues to learn is referred to as the “hundred languages.”
What I Love
-Self-guided curriculum/ interest based learning
-Project learning
-Sensory based learning
-Integrated subjects
-Teacher learns alongside the student
-Encourages children to follow their curiosity
-Uses a variety of learning modalities
Downsides
Interest based curriculum puts the power of learning in the hands of the child and I believe that is absolutely wonderful in so many ways. However, when there are specific skills that we would like students to learn, this approach may leave us parents & teachers wishing we could steer the ship in a certain direction.
Reggio Inspiration for Music Lessons
So how do we combine interest based learning with teaching children the basic instrumental (or academic) skills that everyone just needs to know?
Julie Bogart (who is not associated with the Reggio Emilia approach) wrote a book called “The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life.” In her incredible book, Julie states that “You can learn everything from anything!" I use this approach all the time to combine the child’s interests & ideas with whatever musical skill I would like to teach them. Here’s how it works: You take whatever the child is really into like dinosaurs, ballet, Paw Patrol, or marine biology and teach everything else through that thing.
By allowing children to learn how to play the flute through the lens of their own unique passions, you automatically capture their interest and attention. They learn better, focus longer, and will grow up to be more invested in their education.
While this seems like a lot of extra work for the teacher, sometimes I just tell the student straight up," “Hey so today we need to practice this and that. Can you create a flute game so we can use your mermaids and also play the song?” Every time I’ve said that, it’s led to an extremely productive lesson. When a child hears that you value their ideas and they understand that you are on their team, learning becomes a collaboration and not a power struggle.
That is how I combine the Reggio idea of the self-guided curriculum while also teaching core skills.
The hands-on activities of Montessori, the colorful & creative atmosphere of Waldorf, and Reggio’s integrated subjects following the child’s interests are the main pillars that guide my approach to teaching young children.
What parts of Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia resonate with you?