Choosing the right learning style is like picking your signature coffee order. Do you go for the reliable flat white (Montessori)—straightforward, smooth, and gets the job done? The chilled iced latte (Reggio Emilia)—creative, full of flavour, and all about experimentation? Or the comforting hot chocolate (Steiner)—warm, cozy, and nurturing with a sprinkle of magic? Let’s dive into the philosophies of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Steiner (Waldorf) to see which one suits your child best.

Montessori: The Self-Starter’s Dream

History and Development

Montessori is like that friend who tells you, “You’ve got this, now go do it!” Developed by Maria Montessori in the early 1900s, this method focuses on independence. Children are given the freedom to learn at their own pace, guided by carefully prepared environments full of tactile learning materials. Think wooden blocks, tracing letters, and maybe even sweeping up some crumbs for good measure.

Principles:

• Respect for the Child: Let them learn at their own pace. 
• Prepared Environment: Everything has a purpose to help children explore and learn independently.
• Absorbent Mind: Kids are like sponges, absorbing info from their environment.
• Sensitive Periods: Kids thrive at different times for different skills. 
• Auto-Education: Children can teach themselves with hands-on materials.

How It Works:

Montessori classrooms are calm and organised with shelves filled with materials that invite exploration. Children choose activities that engage their curiosity and work at their own pace, activities like pouring different materials, cutting with scissors, or gardening. Classes are often multi-age, allowing older children to mentor younger ones and reinforce their own knowledge.

Class Sorting and Progression:

Children are grouped by ability rather than age, typically in three-year spans (e.g., ages 3–6, 6–9). Progression is about mastering skills and moving on to the next challenge with no pressure.

Roles:

• Child: Independent learner, guided by their own interests.
• Educator: An observer and guide, stepping in with support when needed.

Example in Action:

Picture this: your child is independently practicing pouring water from one container to another. The educator observes quietly, intervening only to suggest a new challenge or introduce a concept when the time is right.

Note: 

In Australia, education and care services can undergo a review by Montessori Australia to meet their quality standards and become “Montessori registered™.” Parents can search the Montessori Australia directory to find out if a service is Montessori-inspired or officially registered. No guesswork, just assurance.

Reggio Emilia: Creativity Unleashed

History and Development:

Reggio Emilia is like letting your child loose in an art gallery where the only rule is to create. Founded by Loris Malaguzzi in Italy, this philosophy is all about exploration through art, nature, and community. It encourages children to express themselves in a hundred different ways—drawing, building, playing. Imagine a space that’s more of a creative studio than a classroom, filled with natural materials like clay and twigs.

Principles:

• The Hundred Languages of Children: Encouraging all forms of expression—art, music, drama, and beyond.
• Emergent Curriculum: Learning flows from children's interests.
• Environment as the Third Teacher: The environment plays a central role in sparking curiosity.
• Documentation: Educators document the learning process to reflect and plan.
• Collaboration: Focuses on group work and partnerships between children, educators, and families.

How It Works:

Classrooms are dynamic and flexible. Children engage in open-ended projects that evolve based on their interests. The educator is a co-learner, facilitating group discussions and offering new materials.

Class Sorting and Progression:

Children are typically grouped by age but work together on projects in mixed-ability groups. Progression happens organically, as children’s interests and skills deepen through collaborative projects.

Roles:

• Child: A creative, curious researcher, exploring ideas and projects.
• Educator: A co-learner and guide, documenting and scaffolding the learning process.

Example in Action:

A group of children notices the rainbow outside and begins discussing it. The teacher sets up an experiment with light prisms, encouraging children to hypothesise and test how the light creates colours. The children document their discoveries through drawings and notes, which are later added to a shared mural.

Steiner (Waldorf): Magic Meets Mindfulness

History and Development:

Steiner (or Waldorf) education is like wrapping your child in a warm, nurturing blanket of creativity. Founded by Rudolf Steiner, it’s all about learning through self-directed play and art. In a Waldorf school, you’ll find plenty of storytelling, craft, and time spent in nature. There's a strong focus on developing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. No rushing through academics; instead, children explore their world through play and imagination.

Principles:

• Holistic Development: Nurturing intellectual, emotional, and physical growth.
• Imagination and Creativity: Encourages artistic expression and storytelling.
• Rhythm and Routine: Structured days create a sense of security.
• Delayed Academics: Formal learning starts later, around age seven.
• Learning Through Imitation: Younger children learn by mimicking adults.

How It Works:

Waldorf classrooms feel like a warm, magical space. The day begins with a story, and children engage in activities that are connected to the themes of the day—like crafting, gardening, or outdoor play. Formal academics are introduced gradually.

Class Sorting and Progression:

Classes are sorted by age with students remaining with the same teacher for several years to foster strong relationships. Progression aligns with developmental stages where new concepts and skills are introduced as the child matures.

Roles:

• Child: An imaginative learner exploring through play and creativity.
• Educator: A guide and storyteller, fostering emotional and creative growth.

Example in Action:

Picture this: The teacher tells a magical story about the changing seasons, and the children are mesmerised. Afterward, they gather leaves and sticks to make a seasonal collage. The teacher’s there guiding them but giving space for imagination to flourish. There’s no rush; it’s all about the process.

So, Which One is Right for Your Child?

• Montessori: Self-driven, hands-on learning.
• Reggio Emilia: Creativity and collaboration.
• Steiner (Waldorf): Imagination and emotional growth.

Whether your child thrives in a structured, independent environment or you’re all about creative collaboration, or maybe you’re leaning toward a nurturing, imaginative space. Each philosophy has something to offer. Take a moment to visit services, soak in their classrooms, and find the philosophy that feels like home for you and your child.

Not sure where to start? Take our quiz below to see which philosophy speaks your language (and your coffee order)!