Montessori and Waldorf Discussion – Team 2

Discussion Post Montessori & Waldorf

1. Which curriculum did The Little Boy remind you of? Why?

The poem The Little Boy reminded me of the Waldorf curriculum. In the poem, the teacher forces the child to follow directions exactly and stops his creativity. Waldorf is the opposite of this it supports imagination, creative thinking, and artistic freedom. Because the poem shows what happens when creativity is shut down, it made me think about how Waldorf tries to prevent this and allows children to express themselves.

2. What stands out to you about the Montessori curriculum?

What stands out to me most about Montessori is how independent the children are. The classroom is designed so that kids can choose materials, work at their own pace, and move freely. Everything is hands-on, and the teacher acts more like a guide instead of being in charge of every step. I also noticed how calm and focused the environment is. The children learn through real-life tasks, like pouring, cleaning, sorting, and using tools. Montessori trusts children to learn through exploration, and this really stood out to me.

3. Where would you put Montessori on the InstructivistEducationalistConstructivist Continuum? Why?

I would place Montessori around 8 or 9 (Constructivist side). Montessori believes children learn best by doing, exploring, and discovering, not by listening to long lessons. The teacher does not control everything; instead, the child constructs their own learning.

4. What stands out to you about the Waldorf curriculum?

What stands out most about Waldorf is the focus on imagination, art, storytelling, and nature. Waldorf classrooms feel very warm and home-like, with natural materials and soft colors. Children learn through songs, movement, creative play, and rhythm. Waldorf also protects children from too much academic pressure or technology at a young age. They believe childhood should be peaceful and full of creativity, which makes the classroom feel very nurturing.

5. Where would you put Waldorf on the Continuum? Why?

I would place Waldorf at around 9 or 10 (Strong Constructivist). Waldorf focuses heavily on creative expression, storytelling, and child-led imagination. There is very little direct instruction. Learning is built through experiences, art, music, and play.

6. Which curriculum would you want to teach in? Why?

I would want to teach in Montessori. I like the independence, the peaceful environment, and the hands-on learning. I enjoy guiding children instead of directing everything. Montessori seems more organized and structured than Waldorf, but still very child-centered.

7. As a parent, which curriculum would you choose for your child? Why?

As a parent, I would choose Montessori. I feel Montessori prepares children well for real life because they learn practical skills and develop confidence and independence. The calm, structured environment feels safe, especially for young children.