Reggio Emilia and Montessori Approaches to Early Education

The Reggio Emilia and Montessori educational approaches have become popular in recent years within childcare and early years settings. If you’ve researched different childcare centres and kindergartens, then you may have heard of them; but do you really understand what they mean for your child? While both approaches originated in Italy, provide a nurturing environment, and encourage child-led learning, there are some key differences to be aware of. 

Both Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches place a strong focus on child-led, self-guided learning although the Montessori method tends to rely more on direct teacher instruction. The Reggio Emilia approach encourages a collaborative and flexible technique with educators observing and directing children’s learning in real time. It may be useful to think of Montessori teachers more as directors and guides, and Reggio teachers as partners in learning. It is also important to note that specific Montessori training is required to be a Montessori teacher. There is no formal Reggio-Emilia certification, however educators should receive on the job training in how to adapt the Reggio teaching style to their classrooms. 

Both approaches are child-centred, see children as unique, capable individuals and place a focus on the holistic needs of each child. The Reggio Emilia approach focuses more on the social and emotional aspects of learning while Montessori education focuses on developing practical life skills.  

As part of the Reggio Emilia approach, educators guide and encourage children to follow their own interests, recognising this can be expressed in infinite ways (see Reggio Emilia’s 100 languages of children). Educators and teachers research, role model, observe and document, engaging in co-constructed, collaborative learning with the children. Utilising information gleaned from observing the children, educators plan projects that extend and scaffold the children’s learning.  

 In contrast, the Montessori educational program is a more structured and fixed curriculum that is based on hands-on learning and groups children according to ability rather than age. It is designed to provide a deep focus on learning in the areas of language, math, culture, and practical life, and encourages self-confidence, independence, and personal responsibility in children. Montessori education often focuses on an older age group (3-12 years) while Reggio Emilia is typically tailored to suit children from birth to 5 years.

Both approaches place importance on the learning environment by aiming to design spaces that help to build independence and a love of learning. Differences however can be found in some of the resources utilised and the typical classroom structure. 

 Montessori resources are specifically designed for hands-on learning, often with a sensory or tactile aspect. They will usually be used for development of skills necessary for practical life activities, with the aim to improve fine motor skills. Resources are grouped into stations to allow children to fully explore any given topic, and resources such as puzzles help children learn through repetition and self-correction.  

 The Montessori classroom is prepared by the teacher for the children using set resources and activities, while a Reggio Emilia inspired room is co-constructed collaboratively and designed to be flexible depending on the children within it. The layout of the room allows children to freely flow through it with resources purposefully placed in the classroom to invite children to explore and create as they follow their own interests. Resources are often more open-ended with a focus on loose parts such as PVC piping, boxes, fabrics, buckets, stones, blocks and clay. 

Up to 90% of a child’s brain development occurs in the first five years so choosing a childcare or kindergarten that best suits your family can help set a positive foundation for your child’s learning journey. It is important to note that many early learning schools will take inspiration from any number of approaches and philosophers, as well as the Early Years Learning Framework, in forming their overall philosophy. To find out what philosophies or approaches the centre is aligned with, ask for a copy of their individual philosophy; this will also inform you of the key values and focuses that help guide their curriculum. You can find Keiki’s full philosophy here. For more information or to arrange a tour, please contact your nearest Keiki Early Learning service.