Alpha Science Classroom: Differences between Montessori And Waldorf Pedagogy

STEM toys are one of the must-haves for early childhood education, but depending on the trends, they don't occupy quite the same spot. Educational psychologist Fabienne-Agnès Levine proposed four great educators, Maria Montessori and Rudolf Steiner, about two authors’ views on education and toys, and their role in early childhood education settings. As a China educational toy manufacturer, Alpha Science Toys has conducted in-depth research and application of the above two educational concepts. During the research process, we found that these two educational concepts are closely related. Many parents will think that they are What are the differences between them and what commonalities do they have? What is the difference between Montessori education and Waldorf education? Alpha Science Toys describes them in detail in this article.

Traditional teaching methods are starting to become outdated and many parents and professionals are abandoning it. Some alternative styles, such as Montessori and Waldorf, have been found to have more to offer children than traditional styles. Furthermore, they allow them to achieve balanced development according to their needs.

Therefore, we will explain the differences between these two unconventional teaching styles.

What do Montessori and Waldorf pedagogy refer to?

Both teaching styles originated in the early 20th century but are increasingly popular today. Their fundamental pillar is educating children about freedom. In this way, the child's intellectual, physical, and spiritual abilities are effectively developed.

Today, many adults identify with these principles and put them into practice, whether in family upbringing or education.

Key Differences between Montessori and Waldorf Pedagogy

Although they have much in common, each pedagogy has its own way of achieving its goals. The first difference is the ideology of its creators.

Waldorf method

It was developed by philosopher, educator, artist, playwright, and thinker Rudolf Steiner. In addition, he was the founder of Anthroposophy. A science that attempts to develop a global understanding of humanity and the world.

In his methodology, art is the protagonist. Through this mode of expression, minors can learn with complete freedom. Adults propose practical and artistic tasks, but children must discover their own learning at their own pace.

Montessori method

This style was developed by educator and physician María Montessori. In this case, children's development is conducive to their own discovery of the environment. With adult guidance (guiding but not interfering), children explore elements of the environment and structure their learning.

In this way, they have complete freedom to follow their curiosities and build autonomy and self-esteem. This is achieved by exploring, playing, and practicing in specially designed spaces.

Similarities between two different teaching methods for children’s education

We just discussed the differences between the two methods. However, these similarities are worth mentioning because their educational goals are the same.

In fact, in these two teaching methods of children's education, the developmental age of each child is taken into consideration and the method is divided into several stages.

In the Montessori method, there are 4 stages of development, from early childhood to adulthood. These are the stages of development. The first is from 0 to 6 years old, the second is from 6 to 12 years old, the third is from 12 to 18 years old, and the fourth is from 18 to 24 years old.

On the other hand, in the case of the Waldorf Method, there are only three stages of development. Early childhood education is from 0 to 6 years old, primary education is from 6 to 12 years old, and secondary education starts from 12 years old.

Children 0 to 6 years old

In the first stage of education, children learn through imitation. Therefore, practical activities are most important. Encourage imaginative play and the use of home or community-made tools made from natural materials.

Another similarity is that in both cases, classroom work is accompanied by outdoor activities. It is also important for Waldorf's teaching to study myth, art, and art in movement.

Children 6 to 12 years old

In the second phase, reading and writing are introduced through games and the use of educational materials designed specifically for this purpose. In the Waldorf method, this learning is combined with manual and musical artwork.

Children over 12 years old

When it comes to secondary education at the third level of Waldorf or Montessori teaching, the focus of learning is on academic subjects such as astronomy, mathematics, and physics. Language learning is also important in Waldorf teaching.

What Montessori and Steiner have in common

Alpha Science Toys believes that Montessori and Waldorf pedagogy are two teaching methods that have been proven worldwide. Waldorf education schools and Montessori schools have accumulated a wealth of experience and expertise with the help of responsible and passionate educators. Both pedagogies respect the child as an individual. Therefore, they also advocate respecting each child's creativity and spiritual vision.

In Montessori schools and Waldorf education schools, children's education takes place in a calm environment conducive to their well-being. Montessori and Waldorf education classes emphasize the holistic education of children. In this way, the child can be considered both physically and psychologically.

In particular, we found similarities at the pedagogical level of the learning materials. Both agencies have taken the approach of keeping children away from any technology. From this perspective, both alternative teaching methods tend to use equipment based on natural materials. For example, wood was the main component of learning objects in both camps.

In Waldorf education classrooms and Montessori classrooms, creative activities are favored. This allows children to realize their creative potential. Regardless, both schools focus on the realization and development of children's autonomy.

What Montessori and Waldorf education have in common

Montessori and Waldorf education are two teaching methods that have been proven around the world. Waldorf education schools and Montessori schools have accumulated a wealth of experience and expertise with the help of responsible and passionate educators. Both pedagogies respect the child as an individual. Therefore, they also advocate respecting each child's creativity and spiritual vision.

In Montessori schools and Waldorf education schools, children's education takes place in a calm environment conducive to their well-being. Montessori and Waldorf education classes emphasize the holistic education of children. In this way, the child can be considered both physically and psychologically.

In particular, we found similarities at the pedagogical level of the learning materials. Both agencies have taken the approach of keeping children away from any technology. From this perspective, both alternative teaching methods tend to use equipment based on natural materials. For example, wood was the main component of learning objects in both camps.

In Waldorf education classrooms and Montessori classrooms, creative activities are favored. This allows children to realize their creative potential. Regardless, both schools focus on the realization and development of children's autonomy.

Summarize

Alpha Science Toys believes that the advantages of alternative teaching methods such as Montessori and Waldorf are that they allow children to learn and enhance their autonomy. On the other hand, they respect individual mature development and encourage each child to reach their full potential.

Although there are differences between the two methods, they are both good choices to break the traditional education model. Parents can analyze according to their children's situation. Both education methods can help children grow up healthily. Please do not hesitate to try one of them.

As a China educational Toys manufacturer, Alpha Science Toys has been constantly exploring the best educational methods for many years and integrating them into our children's science experiment products to better help the growth of children of different ages, so please do not hesitate, to better For children's educational toys, please go to Alpha science toys, we create the most perfect science dreams for children.