Waldorf or Montessori: child's play vs. child's work

Choosing Waldorf or Montessori: child's play vs. child's work. In this video, I share some thoughts about the similarities and differences between these two popular alternative educations--in their early childhood classes.

I've been a Waldorf early childhood teacher for over 20 years, and certainly have more knowledge and experience with this form of education (not to mention that it capture my heart!). But my older daughter went to a Montessori preschool, where I was also on the Board of Directors and spent some time observing in the classrooms--and did some studying about it, as well.

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There are benefits to both of these philosophies--and they both start from looking at a child as a whole human being worthy of respect. How that looks in the classroom, though, is quite different depending on which school you're in. Both of these pedagogical methods are deep and rich, and of course, the depth and nuances can't be capture in a short video--but I've shared what to me are the most important differences and similarities.

If you're homeschooling, you don't have to choose one or the other--you can pick what you like best of both.

Here are some highlights:
0:00 Intro
2:20 Similarities--holistic, respect for the child, mostly natural materials
3:10 Rhythm of day
4:47 materials in classrooms--open-ended vs. specific use
6:00 imaginative play vs. work
6:40 organization of space in the classroom
7:30 the role of the teacher
10:10 use of technology and homework (another similarity)
10:30 Practical life skills
12:18 role of community
13:45 line time and circle time
15:24 mixed-age classes (another similarity)
16:00 wrap-up
16:51 How to choose works best for your child

Please let me know if you have any questions--or what you like about either approach to educating the young child--in the comments.
Thanks for stopping by!
xoxo

[dafunkystar]

as a new waldorf kindergarten teacher, i appreciate your knowledge of Montessori from the Waldorf perspective. thank you.

[amymorgan]

Thank you so much for your videos. I always enjoy watching and have used many songs and ideas in our homeschool. They have always added a bit of magic into our day. You have a wealth of knowledge...thank you! My "baby" is starting 1st grade this fall...already.

[danielamatarazzo]

Hi Susan, I hope you are well 😊
I just found you and I've been amazed by your videos. I'm a Montessori early learning educator but my heart is Waldorf. Id like to know it I could use some of your songs and verses, if it's ok for you, where could find them? Some of them I can check on the description bug some aren't available 😔. Could you refer me a book with waldorf songs? I just stack myself on the melodies 😑😑😑😁 sorry bother you about with all those questions... Thank you so much for your attention 💜💜💜