Montessori and Reggio philosophies have been gaining mainstream popularity, and you might be curious about how to integrate them into your home or classroom. What distinguishes the Montessori method from the Reggio approach, and how can you draw inspiration from each to set up an engaging learning or play environment to suit your child’s needs?

Both Montessori and Reggio philosophies offer valuable benefits for early childhood education and beyond. Understanding the key elements of each can help you determine what might best suit the children in your care. At home, there’s no need to fully commit to just one philosophy. Instead, feel free to blend aspects of both approaches to better meet the unique needs of your children. 

What is the Montessori method?

The Montessori method is an educational approach developed over a century ago by Dr. Maria Montessori. 

Central to the Montessori method is the "prepared environment," a carefully designed space where children can work independently. In Montessori classrooms, the adult prepares materials and activities which are tailored to developmental needs and children select from these materials independently.

Dr. Montessori developed many materials to help facilitate learning for children from birth all the way through adolescence. But it’s important to note that she did not design any toys for children. There’s no such thing as a “Montessori toy” but there are ways to select and present toys and materials that align with Montessori principles. 

Setting up your space to be Montessori-inspired is pretty simple, and you can probably do it with materials you already have by adjusting the way you present them. 

Follow these tips for presenting toys in a Montessori-inspired way:

1. Organize toys and materials on an open shelf

The Montessori shelf is an important aspect of the philosophy because it provides an organized, accessible space where the child can independently access materials. The shelf should be full, but not crowded, allowing the child to easily find and remove the materials they want to use. 

2. Focus on closed-ended materials with control of error

Closed-ended materials or toys are designed with a specific goal or outcome, such as puzzles or sorting games. You can make an activity more closed-ended by adding a visual goal, like pattern cards for beading or build cards for an open-ended building set. 

A "control of error" helps children self-correct without adult intervention. For example, a jigsaw puzzle's pieces only fit together if placed correctly. You can add a control of error to other activities by using colored dots on the backs of cards for sorting or providing visual comparisons (such as a photograph) for completed work.

3. Present activities un-done with all necessary materials together

A completed ring stack or puzzle may look nice on a shelf, but it's less inviting for the child. Instead, set up activities un-done with materials arranged on a tray, leaving space so each item is visible. This setup promotes order and organization, helping children focus on the task rather than gathering missing materials or dumping the tray to find hidden pieces.

What is the Reggio Emilia approach?

The Reggio Emilia approach, developed in Italy during the 1940s, focuses on open-ended exploration and creativity. In Reggio environments, adults provide a variety of open-ended materials and tools, along with provocations—inviting setups that guide learning and play. Children are invited to explore, interact with, and experiment using these materials in their unique ways. Reggio educators actively respond to the interests and passions of their students by adapting the environment and crafting provocations that engage and challenge their evolving interests.

You can set up a Reggio-inspired learning or play space by making thoughtful choices about how you present materials. 

Here are some tips for presenting toys and materials in a Reggio-inspired way:

1. Use open shelving and open containers to display materials beautifully

Making sure materials are visible and accessible is essential in facilitating open-ended learning through play. When children can see all of the materials and tools available to them they can better plan and carry out their work. The Reggio philosophy emphasizes the creation of environments that are both beautiful and functional, enhancing children's ability to engage and explore. 

2. Prioritize open ended materials 

Reggio environments prioritize open-ended materials and toys that give children the freedom to decide how to use them. These toys are designed without a specific outcome in mind, serving instead as neutral tools for creative and  imaginative play.  A classic example of an open-ended toy is blocks! Open-ended toys leave the work of imagination and creativity to the user.

3. Encourage learning through provocations

A Reggio provocation is an invitation to learn or play. They can be visual (simply in the way materials are set up) or written (sometimes like a question) and often work to guide the child to interact with a material in a certain way.

Sometimes a provocation serves to challenge a child’s previous understanding and other times it might help a child work in a way that could help them solidify their knowledge of a concept, for example developing their understanding of symmetry (as shown here with butterflies!) or pattern work (as shown with a written provocation). 

In my home, I’ve found that a mix of Montessori and open-ended approaches works best for my children. One thrives with the structure of Montessori-inspired shelves, while the other excels with Reggio-inspired open-ended materials for independent problem-solving. Balancing these concepts and encouraging them both to explore beyond their preferred styles has led to many enriching learning experiences for our family. I encourage you to try these tips in your own space!