Navigating the world of early education can feel like a minefield. Here’s how to choose the approach that suits your little learner best.
As parents, we all want to give our children the very best start in life – and that includes their first steps into education. But with so many different philosophies out there, deciding where and how your child should learn can quickly become overwhelming. Should you go for a structured classroom with set routines? Or lean into play-based, child-led learning? And what exactly is the difference between Montessori and Reggio Emilia?
Each educational approach has its own strengths and the right fit often comes down to your child’s personality, your family’s values and the kind of learning environment you feel most comfortable with.
Let’s take a look at the three main styles – Montessori, Reggio Emilia and Traditional – and explore what each has to offer.
Montessori
Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900s, the Montessori approach is all about fostering independence, curiosity and hands-on learning. It’s designed around the idea that children learn best when they’re free to explore and make choices within a prepared environment.
Montessori classrooms are calm, beautifully ordered spaces filled with natural materials. Everything is child-sized and within reach. Children work at their own pace, often in small groups or individually, choosing activities that interest them. Teachers (called guides) observe and gently steer rather than instruct, encouraging children to problem-solve and discover answers for themselves.
Suited to children who thrive with structure but enjoy autonomy, Montessori can be particularly effective for children who are naturally independent, focused and enjoy working quietly on tasks.
Montessori environments are more structured than they may appear at first glance. Some children might crave more group play, imaginative storytelling or teacher-led activities than what’s typically offered. If your little one is especially sociable or prefers creative free play, they may find other settings more stimulating.
Reggio Emilia
Originating in post-war Italy, the Reggio Emilia philosophy sees children as strong, capable and full of potential. It’s deeply rooted in creativity, communication and collaboration, with a big emphasis on relationships – between children, teachers, parents and the learning environment.
Reggio-inspired spaces are warm, homely and often filled with light, artwork and open-ended materials like clay, fabric, wood and recycled items. Learning is project-based and emergent, meaning teachers build lessons around the interests and questions of the children. You might find a class building a model city after discussing architecture or creating a puppet show about feelings.
Teachers act more like co-learners, documenting children’s ideas, conversations and artwork to better understand their thought processes and celebrate their creativity. Reggio Emilia is ideal for children who are imaginative, expressive and love to explore ideas through art, conversation and collaboration. This style suits children who enjoy working in groups and thinking outside the box.
This approach can sometimes be harder to define because it varies from one setting to another. As it relies heavily on the passion and skill of the educators, it’s worth visiting a Reggio-inspired nursery to see how they interpret the philosophy. Some parents also find the lack of formal structure or outcomes a bit unclear, especially when preparing for later schooling.
Traditional
Traditional education might not have a fancy name, but it’s what many of us experienced growing up. It typically involves a teacher-led classroom, a structured curriculum and a more defined schedule of lessons and activities.
In traditional early years settings, children follow a set timetable that might include phonics, maths, story time and group activities. There’s a stronger emphasis on school readiness, with early literacy and numeracy skills taking centre stage. Classrooms often include teacher-led instruction, worksheets and whole-group discussions.
Traditional education suits children who benefit from predictability, clear instructions and consistent routines. Some children feel more secure when they know exactly what’s coming next and enjoy direct guidance from adults.
Sometimes, traditional settings may offer less flexibility for individual interests or creativity. Children who are especially curious, sensory-seeking or learn best through movement might not engage as easily with seated work or a more rigid schedule. However, many traditional nurseries are evolving to include more play and child-led elements throughout their day.
The perfect fit
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every child is unique – and so is every setting. Here are a few things you may like to reflect on when making your decision.
Observe your child
Does your little learner enjoy creating, collaborating and talking things through? Reggio Emilia might be a good match. Are they quietly focused, love order and enjoy doing things on their own? In this case, Montessori could be a great fit. Alternatively, do they thrive with structure and routine? If so, a traditional setting may work best.
Consider your values
Do you value independence and practical life skills, or are you drawn to collaborative learning and creative expression? What feels most aligned with your parenting style is a huge consideration and one that only you can decide.
Visit and ask questions
A school or nursery’s philosophy is only as good as its day-to-day practice. It’s best to spend time observing, chatting with the staff and asking how they approach learning, discipline, creativity and communication. Often, it’s the feel of the place that tells you the most.
Stay flexible
Remember that children change. What works beautifully at age 3 might need to shift by age 6 and that’s okay. Education doesn’t have to be a straight line – it’s a journey, and you can adjust as your child grows.
Whether it’s a Montessori school with tidy trays and counting beads, a Reggio-inspired nursery buzzing with imagination or a traditional classroom with songs and stories – what matters most is that your child feels safe, seen and supported.
Choosing an educational approach isn’t about picking the “best” method – it’s about finding the right rhythm for your child. This is the one where their interests are nurtured, their individuality celebrated and their confidence gently grown. After all, the best learning happens when children feel happy to be exactly who they are.
Image Credit: ShutterStock