SCM Discussion Forum

1. 

   mumsark8
   Member

   I always thought Waldorf and Montesorri education were close to the same. Am I wrong?  We have used Montesorri educating in the early years( ages 3-5) for all of our children. Including some attending montessori schools. This is part of the reason I was lead to CM. I would love to hear some other thoughts. thanks.

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
2. 

   ChristineAZ
   Member

   Yes both philosophies are quiet different. To understand the differences one would need to go back to the roots and read about Dr.Maria Montessori and Rudolph Steiner or their works. I think some of the similarities stem from all three, Dr. Montessori, Mr. Steiner and Ms. Mason, living in the same time period and were subjected to the same social and political environment. Rudolf Steiner stands out from the other two especially because he founded a spiritual movement call Anthroposophy, an esoteric philosophy.
   My oldest went for her first 5 years to a Waldorfschool and at that time I was very happy with the teaching. But then I got saved and saw the esoteric influences in the teaching, like the glorifying of fairies, elves etc... I still use some of the Waldorf handicafts and arts without putting the spiritual characters in the center of the lesson. Hope this helped a little bit.
   Blessings, Christine

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
3. 

   viljoenavenue
   Member

   I think Waldorf is very into faries, elves and fantasy stuff ( I agree with ChristineAZ) ....compared to Montessori, it doesnt have to do with any religion/spiritual beliefs.  I think that is one MAIN difference.  

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4. 

   mumsark8
   Member

   OK, thanks for letting me know. Waldorf is not the same as Montessori. I do thank that Montessori is closer to CM.

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
5. 

   Bookworm
   Member

   A few links to a discussion of CM and Montessori--Charlotte actually commented on Montessori methods at the time:

    

   http://heartkeepercommonroom.blogspot.com/2007/11/charlotte-mason-montessori-and-children.html

   http://rusticanda.blogspot.com/2006/01/cms-letter-to-editor-regarding.html

    

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
6. 

   MamaSnow
   Member

   Interesting articles, Bookworm, thanks for posting them.

   I haven't read about Montessori methods extensively, but from what I have read, I would say one big difference I have noticed between Montessori early-childhood methods and CM early-childhood methods is that Montessori seems to be very much based on a "prepared environment", wheras CM stresses a young child learning in his natural environment, both at home and outdoors.

   That said, I have used some Montessori inspired activities with my preschoolers at home. I like the way that each activity has a fairly clearly defined purpose and I think they are less 'twaddly' than other preschool type activities. However, what I know of CM early-childhood methods allows me to resist the temptation feel inadequate because I haven't replicated a Montessori-style prepared environment in my home or that I am ruining my child because I've picked and chosen among the activities that suited our purposes even if they didn't necessarily fall into the sequence as defined by Montessori.

   FWIW,
   Jen

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post
7. 

   morgrace
   Member

   Thank you Bookworm!

   I think part of what makes Montessori methods appealing, is because many moms need something to keep their preschoolers busy during school time. I know I do! I was going to get a Montessori book from the library to look for ideas for my daughter. But, I think I re-read the Early Years book from SCM instead and also find ways to include her more in lessons. She's actually gotten pretty good at entertaining herself and playing quietly. I don't want to steer the thread in another direction, but did want to say thank you for sharing those articles, I knew very little about Montessori, only like Jen said, it does appear less "twaddley". I sure appreciated the comparison between both!

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8. 

   mumsark8
   Member

   Thanks for the information, but Montessori even in the classroom/school setting is not based on a '"prepared enviroment" as in a classical school, they do allow the children to learn in their natural enviroment both indoors and outdoors. I am very fimiliar with montessori education, our eldest DD is 18yo and our youngest DD is 3.5yo. We have 8 children and all of them have been to a Montessori preschool, both in Europe and the US. Thought I would share these links also. I do appreciate everyones information and thank-you for explaining the differance of Waldorf education compared to Montessori education.

    MONTESSORI HOMESCHOOLING - created by and for ... www.montessori.edu/homeschooling.html

   http://www.michaelolaf.net/

   Posted 1 year ago # Report Post

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