• Home
  • Recipes
    • All
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • dessert recipes
    • dinner recipes
    • Drinks
    spring dessert recipes

    Spring Dessert Recipes

    history of fondue

    The History of Fondue

    nutella brownie bites

    3 Ingredient Nutella Brownie Bites Recipe

    best mocktails

    30 Best Mocktails

    40 christmas candy recipes

    40 Christmas Candy Recipes

    40 holiday cocktails

    40 Holiday Cocktails

    40 christmas side dishes

    40 Christmas Side Dishes

    Best Thanksgiving Appetizers

    Best Thanksgiving Appetizers

    best olive oil

    The Ultimate Guide to Olive Oil: How to Choose The Best Product

  • Crafts
    • All
    • Birthdays
    • Celebrations
    • Cricut
    unicorn birthday party ideas

    Unicorn Birthday Party Ideas

    funny halloween shirts

    DIY Cricut Halloween Shirts for Witches

    Fall Leaf Wreath

    Fall Leaf Wreath

    Welcome Summer Wreath

    Welcome Summer Wreath

    Your Cricut Maker Questions ANSWERED!

    Your Cricut Maker Questions ANSWERED!

    family cricut projects

    10 Easy Family Crafts With Your Cricut

    Embroidery Hoop Spring Wreath

    Embroidery Hoop Spring Wreath

    how to make a card with the Cricut Joy

    The Cricut Joy – what is it and what can it do?

    DIY Grocery Tote Bag with Cricut Infusible Ink

    DIY Grocery Tote Bag with Cricut Infusible Ink

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Free Prints
    • Gift Ideas
    • holidays
    • parties
    • travel
    Five Essential Tips On Planning An RV Trip

    Five Essential Tips On Planning An RV Trip

    best holiday gifts for moms

    Best Holiday Gifts for Mom

    Gift Guide for Single Ladies

    Gift Guide for Single Ladies

    christmas gifts for your dog

    Christmas Gifts for your Dog

    gift guide for single dads

    Gift Guide for Single Dads

    best prescription glasses

    How to Choose the Right Prescription Glasses: 7 Important Tips to Consider

    iv therapy los angeles

    Staying Hydrated While Traveling a Long Distance: 5 Tips to Follow

    Make your Travelling Experience Smart and Safe

    Make your Travelling Experience Smart and Safe

    why travel is good for mental health

    10 Reasons Why Travel is Good for Mental Health

  • About
No Result
View All Result
The Cards We Drew
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • All
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • dessert recipes
    • dinner recipes
    • Drinks
    spring dessert recipes

    Spring Dessert Recipes

    history of fondue

    The History of Fondue

    nutella brownie bites

    3 Ingredient Nutella Brownie Bites Recipe

    best mocktails

    30 Best Mocktails

    40 christmas candy recipes

    40 Christmas Candy Recipes

    40 holiday cocktails

    40 Holiday Cocktails

    40 christmas side dishes

    40 Christmas Side Dishes

    Best Thanksgiving Appetizers

    Best Thanksgiving Appetizers

    best olive oil

    The Ultimate Guide to Olive Oil: How to Choose The Best Product

  • Crafts
    • All
    • Birthdays
    • Celebrations
    • Cricut
    unicorn birthday party ideas

    Unicorn Birthday Party Ideas

    funny halloween shirts

    DIY Cricut Halloween Shirts for Witches

    Fall Leaf Wreath

    Fall Leaf Wreath

    Welcome Summer Wreath

    Welcome Summer Wreath

    Your Cricut Maker Questions ANSWERED!

    Your Cricut Maker Questions ANSWERED!

    family cricut projects

    10 Easy Family Crafts With Your Cricut

    Embroidery Hoop Spring Wreath

    Embroidery Hoop Spring Wreath

    how to make a card with the Cricut Joy

    The Cricut Joy – what is it and what can it do?

    DIY Grocery Tote Bag with Cricut Infusible Ink

    DIY Grocery Tote Bag with Cricut Infusible Ink

  • Lifestyle
    • All
    • Free Prints
    • Gift Ideas
    • holidays
    • parties
    • travel
    Five Essential Tips On Planning An RV Trip

    Five Essential Tips On Planning An RV Trip

    best holiday gifts for moms

    Best Holiday Gifts for Mom

    Gift Guide for Single Ladies

    Gift Guide for Single Ladies

    christmas gifts for your dog

    Christmas Gifts for your Dog

    gift guide for single dads

    Gift Guide for Single Dads

    best prescription glasses

    How to Choose the Right Prescription Glasses: 7 Important Tips to Consider

    iv therapy los angeles

    Staying Hydrated While Traveling a Long Distance: 5 Tips to Follow

    Make your Travelling Experience Smart and Safe

    Make your Travelling Experience Smart and Safe

    why travel is good for mental health

    10 Reasons Why Travel is Good for Mental Health

  • About
No Result
View All Result
The Cards We Drew
No Result
View All Result

Montessori vs Waldorf Schools

by Olivia Cannizzo
18 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly

Table of Contents

  • Comparing Montessori to Waldorf Schools in the Preschool Years
  • What is the Montessori Education?
  • What is the Waldorf Education?
  • What are the similarities of Montessori vs Waldorf Schools?
  • What are the differences of Montessori vs Waldorf Schools?
  • Montessori School Pros
  • Montessori School Cons
  • Waldorf School Pros
  • Waldorf School Cons
  • Is Waldorf or Montessori Better?
  • Certification of a “Waldorf” and “Montessori” School
  • Therefore, on Montessori vs Waldorf Schools
  • Similar Articles

Comparing Montessori to Waldorf Schools in the Preschool Years

montessori vs waldorf
Image via Youtube

The million dollar question – Montessori vs Waldorf? As you start to think about sending your little learners into early childhood education, it only makes sense that you would want to think about the different teaching methods. With this in mind, we’ll walk you through the Montessori method and the Waldorf philosophy in order to determine the best learning environment for your child. So, keep reading for more information on these educational philosophies! 

RelatedPosts

What is a Pikler Triangle?

Best Balance Boards for Toddlers

Best Montessori Activities

What is the Montessori Education?

montessori vs waldorf
Image via IvyCrest

Look at that smile on her face! To begin, Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician developed the Montessori classroom in the early 1900’s. Maria saw that young children needed more stimulation and interaction in school. Therefore, in 1907 she opened her first classroom – Casa dei Bambini in Rome, Italy. She called her work “scientific pedagogy”. Here, she focused on always observing and experimenting with the children.

Today, the Montessori philosophy focuses on the real-life experiences of human development. It focuses on providing a learning environment for children that is clean and pristine. In other words, the educational system focuses on hands-on learning, collaborative play and self-directed activity. In a Montessori preschool, children are making educational decisions at their own pace, with teachers nearby to fully support them. According to the Association of Montessori International, the classroom community is child centered vs adult centered.

What is the Waldorf Education?

montessori vs waldorf
Image via Wikipedia

First known as the Steiner education, the Waldorf classroom came from the work of Rudolf Steiner. Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy, strived to create an environment that focused on the child’s intellectual, artistic and practical skills.

Therefore, the first Waldorf school opened out of Germany in 1919. It is now the largest independent school movement in the world. The Waldorf method focuses on the stages of child development. Moreover, the Waldorf classroom emphasizes the importance of the arts and imagination – often through natural materials.

What are the similarities of Montessori vs Waldorf Schools?

Curious about how the schools are the same? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

  • Firstly, both methods are the fastest growing early childhood educational systems. 
  • Secondly, both methods are rooted in history and a rich cultivation of methodology. Since both learning environments have been around for over a century, they are well founded and have decades of success. 
  • Thirdly, they both believe that children need a specific connection to their environment. While they differ in the ways they reach this connection, the foundation remains similar. 
  • Fourthly, they both base their methods into stages of development. While Waldorf calls these “stages”, Montessori refers to them as “planes”. 
  • Both refute using an excessive amount of technology in the classroom, especially in the early years of a child’s education. 
  • Lastly, both value the whole child – mind, body and spirit – over the any academic curriculum. Additionally, both methods focus on the particular needs of a child, in order to cultivate their love of learning.

What are the differences of Montessori vs Waldorf Schools?

We get it, you’re wanting to know the differences. Luckily, we’ve got them for you right here!

Firstly, Montessori focuses on the real-life experiences while Waldorf focuses on imaginative play and fantasy play. For example, in a Montessori environment you would typically see children learning how to cook and learn self-care. They would also be learning skills through play. However, in a Waldorf environment you would see much more attention on play and the arts – all with natural materials. 

Age Grouping

Secondly, the age grouping is different between the two. Often times in Waldorf, children are grouped by their specific age and advance together each year. Usually in Montessori, children are grouped together by three-year spans. Usually it looks like infant, toddler and preschool groups.

Methodology

Thirdly, the methodology differs. In Waldorf, teacher-led activities are extremely crucial from an early age. Because children are moving up together each year (as mentioned above), it’s easier to incorporate learning materials and lesson plans that are taught in a more traditional way. Children are also able to learn and grow with primarily the same classmates as they make their way up in school. 

Because in Montessori children are grouped in three-year spans, the social development of said groups are different. Often times, the Montessori teacher will give independent lessons to the children one-on-one. Students often even give lessons to each other. Additionally, children are free to work on whatever they see fit, whenever they want. If the teacher sees an issue with how they’re spending their time, they will step in and gently redirect. 

How they Play

Fourthly, in Waldorf, fantasy and imaginative play are crucial to the everyday structure of the classroom. Often times you’ll see children incorporating various toys for make-believe play. Traditionally, Waldorf teachers do not formally introduce core academics until the first or second grade. Additionally, the arts and music are extremely important to the curriculum. Music, dancing and visual media are incorporated into everyday lessons. So, if your child loves the arts – this may be for you!

Likewise, in Montessori, fantasy and imaginative play are also extremely important. However, the main focus is on the real-world and introduction to various activities that you do in our world are introduced. From this, children have the opportunity to build their imagination and play time based off the foundation of the real-world. Additionally, Montessori schools focus more on core academics and can feel a bit more structured than Waldorf schools. 

Spirituality

Lastly, you may want to think about spirituality before making your decision. Montessori schools often do not have a specific “spiritual” routine or any attachment to spirituality at that. However, the Waldorf method is based off of anthroposophy. This philosophy believes that in order to understand the workings of the universe, people must first have an understanding of humanity. This is not to say that Waldorf schools are inherently spiritual, but it is something to consider in the back of your head. So, remember to keep this in mind. For some, it may an important factor when deciding.

Montessori School Pros

Okay, so we’ve visited the similarities and differences of Montessori vs Waldorf Schools. So, still wondering what is so great about this school? Check out these pros below!

  • Focus on children learning manners! 
  • Large range of subjects taught 
  • Personal experiences are valued more over homework/assignments 
  • Social emotional development is very important 
  • Independent learning is a core value 
  • LOTS of social interaction with other children! 
  • Inclusion of special needs education

Montessori School Cons

Every school has a downside. And here are some cons! Read on…

  • Small class sizes = not as many friendships 
  • After leaving Montessori, it can be harder for kids to get used to traditional schools
  •  It’s not accessible in all areas/to everyone
  • It can be pricey
  • Lack of structure and routine can be hard for some kids

Waldorf School Pros

Wanting to hear what is so great about the Waldorf method? Don’t worry, keep reading. We’ve got you covered!

  • Kids learn a lot about art and music
  • Kids can learn at their own pace
  • Often, it’s the same teachers over the years
  • Children discover and learn about themselves
  • Creativity is very important

Waldorf School Cons

And the flip side? We’ve got the cons below for you.

  • Core subjects are not always a focus
  • Not as much interaction with peers
  • Expensive
  • Not a lot of structure
  • Lack of technology

Is Waldorf or Montessori Better?

So, it only makes sense that you want a simple answer. Montessori or Waldorf?! Well, to be completely honest, one school of thought is not “better” than the other. If only it was that simple. It really depends on what your child is needing in their specific learning environment. Therefore, you need to think about your child and decipher what they are really needing through their curriculum. 

The Montessori approach is probably best if you have a child who enjoys constant stimulation and critical thinking.

However, if you have a child who needs a bit more structure from adults to reinforce their attention towards learning, then the Waldorf style may be better. Additionally, if your child has a true love for the arts then Waldorf be the best option. I love the arts! Don’t you!? Well, I guess some don’t, haha.

Certification of a “Waldorf” and “Montessori” School

Another thing to keep in mind when deciding on where to send your child. Schools can use the words “Waldorf” and “Montessori” without having to show any special training. A school can call itself a “Montessori” school even if a director has just read a book on the topic. So, it’s important you research! Point is – both of these schools have pros and cons. If you look into it more, you’ll be better off! Trust us!

Therefore, on Montessori vs Waldorf Schools

Well, hopefully this article was able to give you some insight on both of the very meaningful schools of thought. Keep researching what you think is best for your child. It’s always helpful to go and shadow at schools in your area. Preschool or high-school, it doesn’t matter. It’s great to shadow at all ages. Do you agree?

So if you liked this article, please go check out similar ones below! Also – let us know other educational articles you’d like to see. We’ll be working on more here soon. Thanks guys 🙂

Similar Articles

Did you like this article? I sure hope so! If you did – check out these articles. Trust me, they won’t disappoint! So read on 🙂

Best Pikler Triangles for 2021

Looking for the best pikler triangle? We can help! This “toy” is used a lot in Montessori classrooms. Learn more about it below.

best pikler triangles for 2021
Image via Cassaro Kids

15 Ways to Get Ready for Back to School

Back to school can be stressful. So, we’ve made it a bit easier on you. Keep reading to find some great back to school supplies.

15 ways to get ready for back to school
Image via Pintrest

Healthy Candy Alternatives for Halloween 2021

Not wanting a sugar overload? Is your kid on a special diet? Are YOU trying to eat healthy? Don’t worry, either way we’ve got you covered! Check out these great ideas below. YUM!

healthy candy alternatives for 2021
Image via Amazon

Best Gift Ideas for 8 Year Old Girl in 2021

Birthday coming up? Christmas early this year? Here, we have the best gift ideas for the 8 year old girl. Trust us, she will LOVE these gift ideas! So, go check out this article!

montessori vs waldorf
Image via Amazon

Boho Nursery Ideas You’ll Go Gaga Over

Do you have a little one on the way? That is so exciting. Trust us, this decor is so cute. Your baby will love it! And you too, of course 🙂 So, read on!

boho nursery ideas you'll go gaga over
Image via Pintrest
Share152Tweet95Share38
Olivia Cannizzo

Olivia Cannizzo

Related Posts

what is a pikler triangle
Montessori

What is a Pikler Triangle?

...

best balance boards for toddlers
Montessori

Best Balance Boards for Toddlers

...

best montessori activities
Montessori

Best Montessori Activities

...

First Day of School 2020 Free printables
Back to School

Free First Day of School 2020 Printables {Distance Learning Edition}

...

Must Haves for Distance Learning
Back to School

Must Haves for Distance Learning

...

Last Day of School 2020 Printables {Distance Learning Edition}
Back to School

Last Day of School 2020 Printables {Distance Learning Edition}

...

Comments 2

  1. Pingback: Best Montessori Activities - The Cards We Drew
  2. Pingback: What is a Pikler Triangle? - The Cards We Drew

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Popular

Plugin Install : Popular Post Widget need JNews - View Counter to be installed

Instagram

  • Craving something sweet? Try this delicious oatmeal scotchie recipe for the perfect snack whether you
  • Spring is on its way and we couldn’t be more excited. Not only are the days getting longer but beautiful spring blooms are just around the corner. Are you a gardener? Do you have a wall or corner that needs a little sprucing up? We have a fun and easy DIY planter project that’s an awesome way to #upcycle things you already have.

See the post here —> https://thecardswedrew.com/spring-upcycled-ladder-planter/

#spring #springblooms #aprilshowers #flowers #gardner #greenthumb #bhghome #farmhousestyle #frenchfarmhousestyle #springdecor #farmhousechic #thriftydecor #cottagedecor #rustichome #myfleamarketstyle #thrifted #thriftedhome #diy #floraldisplay
  • May good luck be with you wherever you go and your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow ☘️ St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, we’ve got some fun green recipes on the site, check them out via the link in bio! 

Get the recipe for these cherry coconut cookies —> https://thecardswedrew.com/st-patricks-day-cookies/

#luckoftheirish #stpatricksday #greenluck #irishheritage #irishcooking #cookies #holidaycookies #instayum #onthetable #recipe #eeeeeats #easyrecipes
  • It’s here! Our kid-friendly vacation in Maui post is now live. Head on over to the website for details on where to eat, sleep, and play. Link in bio. #familytravel #maui #travelwithkids #tropical #tropicalvibes #tropicalescape #beachday #familyvacation #mauilife #mauiphotographer #travelwithtoddlers #mommabear #nomadlifestyle #hawaii #hawaiilife
  • Do you know how white chocolate is made? I didn’t either! Head over to the blog and find out all about it. And, tell me, are you a white chocolate or milk/dark chocolate lover? #chocolate #chocolatelover #foodie #whitechocolate #foodsecrets #instalove #foodblogger #purefood #sweettooth #feedfeed #buzzfeast #foodblogfeed #fwx #foodandwine #forkyeah
  • Love chocolate and cherries? Then you will LOVE our Double Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake! It’s every lovers dream and would make the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert ❤️ Link in bio. #chocolate #instafood #heresmyfood #food4thought #thekitchen #foodwinewomen #yahoofood #chocoholic #chocolateloversdream #valentines #valentinesday2021 #valentinesday #romanticdessert #easydesserts #cherrydumpcake #datenight #slowcookerrecipes #crockpotrecipes #bakedgoods
  • Are your kids doing Valentine’s cards this year? Check out our free valentine printables on the site! I’m actually really excited since no matter what your school situation is, it’s a really fun way to send love to friends. Tag your narwhal loving friends!! And of course, the candy can always be skipped! #valentines #valentinecards #kidsvalentines #kidsvalentinesday #freeprintables #valentineprintables #narwhal #unicorns🦄 #sugareffect #familycrafts #kidscrafts #easykidscrafts #homemade #mommyblogger
  • Sharing this amazing chocolate chip cookie recipe from @handletheheat. I am a total chocoholic and have been searching for the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe. This one is it 👌 Super easy, soft, chewy, and oh so yummy. FYI this is the Ultra Thick Bakery Cookie version, she has quite a few recipes! And, I do recommend chilling the dough and she advises, it makes a big difference. Do you have a go-to recipe for chocolate chip cookies?? #cookies #repost #cookiesofinstagram #chocolate #chocoholic #sweettooth #baking #bakedgoods #chocolatechipcookies ##chewycookies #bestcookiesever #foodie #bakerssecrets #chocolate #handletheheat #thecardswedrew #thekitchn #bhgfood #feedfeed #yahoofood #lovefood
  • Here’s another memory from our recent trip to Maui, since I’m a warm weather girl at heart ☀️ We got matching mommy and me flower crowns, called Haku Lei, for a family photo shoot. @petite.maui  blew it out of the water with these gorgeous orchid-filled crowns, the smallest one for our littlest girl. So sweet 🌺 #hawaii #maui #flowercrown #tropicalvibes🌴 #mauivacation #princess #hawaiianlife #hawaiianprincess #familytravel #familytrip #familytime #minime #love #mommyandme #sisters #sisterlove #tropical #tropicalescape #tropicalvacation #travel #lifestyle #travelgram

About Us
Privacy Policy

The Cards We Drew

© 2021 The Cards We Drew

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Dinner
    • Desserts
    • Appetizers
    • Drinks
    • All Recipes
  • Crafts
    • DIY
    • Holidays
    • Printables
    • Cricut
    • All Crafts
  • Lifestyle
    • Home Decor
    • Travel
    • Celebrations
    • Room Makeovers
    • Product Guides
  • About