School Philosophies
Three of the most popular progressive educational philosophies are Waldorf (also known as Steiner), Montessori and Reggio Emilia. All three sprang out of early twentieth century European desires to fix the ills of the world through educational reform. All strive to treat even very young children as competent beings to be respected. Both Montessori and Waldorf are formal models with elaborate pre-designed systems for learning and teacher-training programs. Reggio Emilia takes a looser approach and is based on a continuing and evolving process of feedback and learning between teachers and students.
Some of the differences between the various methods are that Waldorf puts a high premium on play and fantasy and withholds academic learning until children have reached an appropriate age. Montessori believes children are inherently interested in learning and encourages students to explore the world through activities like baking and tools such as glass beads representing mathematical numbers. The Reggio Emilia approach places emphasis on the feel and aesthetics of the learning environment. It also teaches that learning should be shaped by give-and-take between each kid and her teachers. Some educators swear by their own approach, others are less orthodox and dabble in different methods.
