Preschool philosophies

Montessori Preschools

The Montessori approach is based on the concept that “play is the child’s work.” While Montessori preschools focus on academics, the goal is to let learning happen naturally at the child’s own pace and to foster independence by allowing children to make personal choices. Montessori schools also teach kids skills that enhance self-sufficiency.

Montessori classrooms are structured around particular areas, including practical life, sensorial development, language, mathematics and culture, which encompasses geography, science and music. Within those areas are special toys called manipulatives. In the math area, for instance, a child may learn numbers by tracing rough-textured numbers and saying each number as they trace. Teachers serve more as guides, demonstrating how to use the manipulatives, then stepping back to let the children explore on their own. For additional details about Montessori schools, go to www.amshq.org, www.montessori-ami.org and www.montessori.edu.

Reggio Emilia Preschools

Under the Reggio Emilia approach, a project-based curriculum is followed based on students’ interests. Say students show interest in dinosaurs, then the teacher might begin a project inspired by the prehistoric era, read dinosaur books, organize digging-for-bones activities and lead art activities featuring dinosaurs. In a couple of weeks or months, when the kids show interest in something else, the curriculum changes as such. To learn more, go to www.reggioalliance.org and www.innovativeteacherproject.org.

Waldorf Schools

Waldorf schools provide a nurturing environment that feels more like a home than a school. The philosophy focuses on creativity and the arts while emphasizing cooperation. Arts and crafts and make-believe play are strongly encouraged, as well as practical activities such as cooking and gardening. Toys used in the classroom are constructed of natural materials like shells, rope, beeswax crayons and wooden (never plastic) toys. Parents are encouraged to skip TV and computers at home. To learn more, go to www.whywaldorfworks.org.