Whether looking for a Reggio Emilia or Montessori schools in Bangkok, parents should be aware of the following:

Curriculum Structure - Whilst traditional education systems act to stunt curiosity and inspiration, simply by the nature of having rigid-curricula, exploration, creativity and healthy risk-taking are all impeded. The obvious consequence of traditional methods are a lack of independence, higher level thinking skills and ultimately a love of learning. Even language development is hindered as a result of being fed information as opposed to seeking it.
Both Reggio and Montessori approaches put the chid first, believing that the desire to learn is present from birth. Everything centers around the child in both curriculars; what they wish to learn and how they desire to go about that learning. From a teacher and parent’s point of view this means that planning, in the traditional sense, ceases to take place. Instead planning is an ongoing, spontaneous process!

Role of Adults - Of the guiding philosophies forming the foundation of Reggio, perhaps the most important for parents and teachers to remember is the important role which teachers, parents have, being partners in education. All have a role to play in inspiring, facilitating and guiding children. A cohesion between all three undoubtedly creates the perfect learning experience. Adults are more included in the learning journey in a Reggio setting. With Montessori children are left alone more often allowing the children to learn by themselves completely. The purpose made resources are evidence of this self-teaching belief. In a Reggio setting, both styles are possible as it truly depends on how a child wishes to play and whether they would like support to to collaborate. The Reggio teacher would make it known to the children that all options are valid and each hav e their respective benefits.

Activity Type - The Montessori method, as with Reggio, places emphasis on nurturing independence. Likewise it views children as naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning by themselves. Similarly to Reggio classrooms, activities are self-directed, hands-on and collaborative. Montessori resources are ‘closed’ or factory made, with a clear purpose and designed with a single use. Whereas a Reggio class would be equipped with a vast array or ‘open-ended’ resources which children are free to use and ‘interpret’ as they wish. The belief is that through imagination, the child can create anything in their minds’ eye!

Real-Life vs Fantasy - Montessori places a great deal of emphasis on real-life, hands-on activities. So much so, that in strict Montessori kindergartens, imaginative play and fiction are even discouraged! This is perhaps how Montessori differs from Reggio most. Reggio Emila champions fantasy and nurtures imaginative play through freedom, inspiration and open-ended play.

Resources - The Montessori environment are purpose made and specialty materials have a clear intention of use. Parents may be familiar with wooden number puzzles or threading beads, perhaps wooden weaving frames. Essentially the materials aim to develop skills be it maths, phonics, or simply fine motor skills. Without the need for adult support, children are able to practice essential skills, should they choose to play with them. Resources in the Reggio Emilia setting are ‘Open-Ended’ which means that rather than having a purpose they can be used in whatever way a child see fit. This crucial difference opens the doors to imaginative play. You’ve only to ask different children playing with the same loose parts to realise just how diverse imaginative play can get.

Grading and Testing - Neither of the approaches follow testing in the traditional sense. Reggio Emilia does place more importance on frequent and regular observations which act to guide teachers to create play provocations to encourage the development of required skills as well as offer suggestions and inspiration to the direction of ‘projects’.