Waldorf vs. Montessori: WHICH IS BETTER?! The Criticisms.

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 😊

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.

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 honestly like both! Thanks for this video!

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!!

This information was very helpful.

That's a very interesting video. I never thought about the fact that you are always modeling, even when teaching. Great insight

Dr. Montessori viewed nature as an extension of the classroom and true Montessori schools should be spending a LOT of their time outside.

Do you have any videos about your children’s experiences in school in more detail? Love all your content. I’m currently binging!

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

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.

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.

Are you teaching your daughter reading and mathematics at home since Waldorf schools don’t teach this in early childhood?

according to steinar guilt is a by product of freedom....

Your criticisms of the Waldorf school make me really like the school honestly.

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

@8:51 did you say that his racist and anti-Semitic views hold a lot of truth and validity??

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.

Can anyone elaborate on the modern day conspiracy theory but about Montessori? This is ... intriguing... 🧐

Too much intro talk