Weaving Montessori and Reggio for Holistic Learning

Montessori and Reggio Emilia, two renowned early childhood education approaches, blend harmoniously through their shared focus on child-centered learning, creativity, and fostering independence. Both philosophies emphasize respect for the child’s intrinsic curiosity and ability to guide their own learning. Montessori’s structured environment, designed with purposeful materials and self-directed activities, complements Reggio Emilia’s emphasis on collaboration, exploration, and the “hundred languages of children”—varied ways children express themselves. Together, these approaches create a dynamic framework that nurtures autonomy, critical thinking, and creativity, providing children with a holistic and empowering learning experience.

Montessori Principles

Montessori classrooms are designed to foster independence, concentration, and a love for learning through hands-on, self-paced, and collaborative activities.

Prepared Environment

The classroom is carefully arranged with materials that are accessible, aesthetically pleasing, and designed to encourage exploration.

Mixed-Age Grouping

Classrooms typically include children of various ages, encouraging peer learning and social development.

Child-Led Learning

Children choose their activities based on their interests and developmental stage, working at their own pace.

Teacher as Guide

Teachers, or “guides,” observe and support the child’s learning process without directly instructing or leading activities.

Reggio Emilia Approach

The Reggio Emilia Approach, founded in the town of Reggio Emilia, Italy after World War II, is a progressive and innovative model of early childhood education. It views children as capable, resourceful, and full of potential. This approach emphasizes the importance of relationships, considers the environment as a “third teacher,” and values documenting the learning process.

Emergent Curriculum

Learning topics emerge from children’s interests, and the learning is flexible to adapt to these interests.

Collaboration

Learning is seen as a social process, with collaboration between children, teachers, and parents being a central aspect.

Environment as the Third Teacher

The learning environment is considered a crucial element in the educational experience, with spaces designed to be beautiful, stimulating, and reflective of the children’s work and ideas.

Documentation

Teachers document children’s learning experiences through various means, such as photos, videos, floorboards and notes, to make learning visible and to reflect on the process.