Ok, just as a disclaimer, I'm a trained Montessori teacher, trained under the Montessori association she started (not the American one). We have to look at Maria Montessori as for what she was. A scientist. She did not just develop the method out of thin air. The method was developed out of hundreds of hours of observation of children's behavior. One of the reasons why the method still exists and not others is because it is scientifically based. Things that she has discovered about the child's mind and development over 100 years ago is being scientifically proven just in recent years. I do not believe that Montessori teachers are cold and distant. I believe that we just have so much respect for the child that we do not impose our need for affection on the child but rather wait for the child to show that affection towards the adults and then we do respond accordingly. Montessori may not have been trademarked but there's a governing body that certifies Montessori schools to make sure that the pedagogy is strictly followed. You can look up Associations Montessori Internationale. Maria Montessori established it herself. That's only association that she established.
Thank you for this mini lesson on Maria Montessori’s early life. It makes SO much sense. This insistence on extreme independence early on, sterile guides showing no emotion, no fantasy - it makes so much more sense to me now. I always thought Montessori missed the mark on fantasy life early on and even extreme insistence on independence early on. And now I understand why she thought this. Also helpful to remember that human beings developed these theories, bringing their trauma and baggage to it. Montessori was a genius and got 90%+ right in her theories. That’s good enough 😊
Yes yes yes! You hit the nail on the head of what I hoped to bring to light!! Not that there is anything wrong with her backstory or theories (like you said she got most of it right IMO!) but it's so important that we not just take everything as a gold standard without any baggage for us to improve upon! I see wayyyy to many moms freaking out in montessori FB groups about doing it "right" when a deep loving breath is the only thing that's really needed
I think the most important phrase of early childhood education is "follow the child" - even if that means not following the Montessori method. I know that our oldest would also struggle in a Montessori classroom - big time. It's just not for every kid. No approach is - kids are different, that's why there is no ONE right approach, as you say. I absolutely loved how you described Montessori in the beginning of this video - it's a direction my thoughts took many times when thinking about her approach and her relationship to her son. I'm originally from Germany and I loved what they offer there during early childhood - Kindergarten from the moment a kid is potty trained up to primary school. It has a lot of concepts of Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio Emilia and even Charlotte Mason. I honestly don't even think it's intentional but just the philosophy automatically includes aspects from all of these. I think the main reason why Montessori is so popular in the US, is because of the thought associated to it that it gives a head start in academics. Most other approaches focus much more on socialization, group activities and "soft skills", while Montessori is more involved in trying to promote academic skills. That idea of needing an academic advantage is huge in the US. I think most other countries have a higher value in "allowing kids to be kids". I'm not saying that's not possible with Montessori - but cultures that want kids to play and don't care if they only learn their ABC's in primary school, will just naturally care less about the academic advantage Montessori is associated with. All my kids care about is pretend play, arts and loose parts (pretty much all our Lovevery toys are in the play kitchen being used as loose parts and never used in an educational way). So I provide them with what they enjoy. I also offer them alternative ways and options and they choose. I see what works for them and what doesn't. I felt so much pressure when I tried to see myself as a Montessori parent in the beginning of parenthood and so much frustration when things just kept not working as expected. I feel a lot of calm and confidence when I stopped using labels and just went with the flow.
I totally agree with you on all of this! And you're so not alone on those early parenthood days, I really get so many messages with parents feeling frustrated because their kids aren't using materials the "right" way or feel like their kid is falling "behind." I honestly blame social media and the internet for needing people to optimize content with keywords lol I personally hate labels too yet have to use them for people to find me. I think that's why values are just the things i always come back to. When we anchor into those, we can leave space for things to unfold (even when they may not look how we thought) in the best interest of the child and family.
I agree. This is why I really like a lot of what Waldorf has to offer. They use 3 planes of development, 7 years each and focus on motor skills in the first plane.
Thank you for your video! I started out a Montessori mom and after educating my self on the differences with the help of your videos I’ve decided to stay a Montessori mom. I believe if my kids stay grounded in realist that is going to help them later in life. I’m not interested in introducing fairytales to my kids as I think that could cause confusion and anxiety. I do think it’s easy to get sucked into Waldorf toys and play room the play shelf’s are uniquely designed and the toys have bright colors with different colored silks and dolls and beautifully illustrated books.
You're absolutely right, they should! Unfortunately in certain climates that's just not the reality in my experience. It's just something important for parents to look out for and not assume - just because Dr. Montessori believed it doesn't mean it's actually being implemented whether the school is accredited or not..
@The Confused Mom we're in a pretty extreme climate with snow and blizzards in the winter and humid heat waves in the summer but the authentic schools in the state (accredited or not) make time in nature a huge priority. Some go as far as making full nature classrooms similar to forest schools, others incorporate natural playgrounds & nature walks as a very large part of their curriculum, and often during nice weather will have the class blended with the outdoors. That way when during the work cycle, children can float between working inside and out. So it's definitely something that's happening, but it does take asking & researching to ensure the school in question is doing so!
I go outside often. Our school building is limiting though. There's no way to gain access to an outdoor classroom easily without breaking up the work cycle, so sometimes I start the day with a lesson outside.
This information was so helpful. I was searching the differences between Walforf and Montessori before Julian started his school journey. This series make everything so clear and had new info I hadn't known. I love a blend of both and that it depends on the individual child for sure. I am actually going to look into the Waldorf summer camp again after seeing this. Thank you!!
Early development student (in a homeschool setting, in the waldorf inspired spirit) Over the last few years I discovered 1. It depends at what makes YOU excited- an excited/deeply connected as teacher/caregiver, ones who are enjoying what they bring to the table, has better momentum and enjoyment for the experiences presented - this is often such a core aspect of it - sometimes it is even more important than intentional philosophy - to just be as excited to engage with an experience , and it is cool to experiment with different ideas from time to time to (very engaging for the adult mind who tends to feel bored sometimes lol) 2. I personally feel eclecticism is a good way to go 3. I think we must not under estimate the importance of imagination, imaginative play, storytelling, and kind and loving social interactions - aside to independence and or skill progression x I think some adult people have easier time engaging practical in play (and some may have easier engagement in imaginative play), and I think there is a good balance in the middle, it is good to experiment in play out of the comfort zone sometimes just to see what experiences it can lead too
Love this!! Especially on the first point on philosophy I want to reallyyyy stress as I've gotten comments over the years from students trying to figure out their careers watching these videos: An ENJOYABLE environment will always win when it comes to education. And when I say enjoyable I mean that it's both fun AND fulfilling (which I personally think you can't have fulfillment without expansion in the long run). The pedagogy just becomes a lens for that experience to unfold, but doesn't guarantee that experience in itself
Wow-thank you for framing Montessori’s work in this way! I really appreciate your videos! Have you done a video going in depth with your own Montessori school experience?
I haven't! It was so many years ago (I only went to an official one for preschool and then was in special programs after that) that I didn't think anyone would be interested haha
It's interesting that your comment on introverted learners in Montessori schools really goes against the grain of her teaching at 6-12, where the idea really is collaborative learning. She recognised that as a stage in their development.
Awe thank you! I don't actually. I always meant to do a video on choosing a montessori school but felt like there were a lot of videos already out there on it... I don't know that i'll do one on my kids experiences in school TBH because at this point we are moving around so much and are currently at a hybrid school (montessori/waldorf/reggio emilio), and then are probably going to a Waldorf School in Costa Rica next at the moment lol so we are def all over the place where i feel to "in the middle of it" to speak on it Maybe a video on how to tell if something is or isn't working for YOUR kids though? Sort of like the vital signs we saw deteriorating in my daughter as well as the ones/issues i saw amongst peers growing up and from my clinical research days. Would that be something of interest?
I appreciate sharing the concept of having your pain be reflected through your work. I think having a child that can do things independently is great and something tonprioritize in development, but (not having a child yet) I really look forward to high amounts of interactions with my kid, teaching them things about the world around them. I see that lacking in some montessori things ive looked into wjere its more self driven play and learning.
Well i am worried grandparent and christian, my grandson started at waldorf this year and loves it there, but why does the word demonic, chanting.....come up, ? Please
Hi! I went to waldorf and the demonic chanting is a myth😂 we say poems and verses and sometimes they have to do with Christian god! Example: the sun with loving light, makes bright for me each day, the soul with spirit power gives strength on to my limbs, in sun light shining clear, I do revere oh god.....
Haha yeah so I can't remember exactly what I said in the video - *and I have no opinion* on the matter - just sharing information/perspectives I've come across over the years and am not trying to start an internet CT account, so I think I kept it vague - but essentially there's some loose threads between the new world order ideas and Montessori's ideas around the global citizen which both hope to achieve peace essentially through a new era of unified civilization. Combine that with her history and her separation of child and parent (in some people's eyes) it's just... a little sus to think about *why* this method has reached such popularity at this time in our society vs so many others that were coming out at the time. This is an interesting and easy to start place if you care do dig deeper: unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000061494
If you recommend any other links .. I’m interested 😏 I know the public school system is an absolute ‘no’ with the latest ‘events’ so now this is the next debate! Your vids include a lot of ‘extras’ that seemed to be conveniently bypassed by some other advocates .... so I appreciate the thorough and honest info! I still have to watch them all... 😬
I also hear some of the criticisms about Waldorf are with the circle time, chanting, celebrations, & some of the practices seems a little paganism or witch craft like.
Oh haha right as I’m posting you start taking about that part also. & yes we have distanced ourselves from many of the holiday celebrations that are really pagan celebrations that were Christianized to gain more popularity with the religion.
@@JT-gc9yx Lol there's an account on IG thewaywewaldorf that does Catholicism and Waldorf you might find interesting! I never did a deep dive on her account so I have no clue what she says aligns with anything but if you're interested in both it may be an interesting perspective to explore
As I know first plane focuses on independent play and physical independence. and in second plane focus is on independent thinking and group works, team games, children start to form their own groups and friends, like not my mom’s friend’s child. I think If this plane goes well than unsociability can be avoided or regulated. Unfortunately there is so little information on 2nd,3rd and 4th planes compared to 1st. I guess majority goes with 1st plane ideas and then just does what works for them. About religious part of Waldorf, I also witnessed Muslims doing Waldorf. So I had idea that religious people, no matter which religion, tend to prefer Waldorf.
That's such a great observation on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th plane. My assumption has always been the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th plane tend to have less information because there are far fewer "schools" calling themselves Montessori so people tend to forget about it and because the writings around it are pretty dense and much more up for interpretation... I personally think that's where you start to see more of the esoteric influences to a degree. That's interesting regarding Waldorf. I've seen it go both ways, where the religious people are very very against it, and also others who like it. The other thing I've found is that cultures outside of the US tend to embrace waldorf much more than in the US. A lot of my family is still in Europe where I've seen firsthand the good and the bad of Steiner's beliefs... and as we've researched moving to Mexico and South America there seem to be more Waldorf resources than Montessori which I *think* has to do with the more repressed nature of the US... where we (generally) don't like to look at history/where things come from or hold onto ancestral roots in order to assimilate to American culture. Not saying that's right or wrong or that Montessori or Waldorf is better in that sense as I largely think it is individual to the child/teacher/school... but I think there is a generalized reach for safety in the US with Montessori over Waldorf as a result of it being more palatable as a whole.
I was referencing the criticisms of his beliefs being racist and anti-semitic having merit - he never self identified as those things thus they weren't valid issues in his mind (as far as my research could tell)
Wow I had know clue about the bullying aspect of Waldorf. I will have to bring that up when we tour. My brother was bullied terribly in elementary my a few boys so that really is something I fear with sending my kids to school.
Yeah it’s definitely not the case at every waldorf school and not exclusive to waldorf either. Asking how bullying is addressed and handled is good when touring any school!
I’ve never heard of the Montessori method explained from this point. It was very interesting. I just had my first baby and spent a lot of my pregnancy reading Montessori, and something doesn’t feel right about pushing a baby to independence asap
Pushing a baby or a child to anything is not following the child. We allow for independence so that we are not keeping them from it inadvertently. Pushing them would be disrespectful.
