As a newly graduated teacher, I used to work in a Montessori centre for less than a year. I also had my child attending a Montessori playgroup. As a relief teacher, I had a few shifts in Montessori classrooms. They are quite different and unique if you compare them to the typical play-based learning ELC.
1. Educational Philosophy:
- Montessori Early Childhood Centre: Montessori education is based on the educational philosophy developed by Dr. Maria Montessori. It emphasises a child-centred approach that focuses on independence, self-direction, and hands-on learning. Montessori classrooms are carefully prepared environments with specific materials designed to promote exploration and discovery.
- Play-Based Learning Centre: Play-based learning centres emphasise the importance of play in a child’s development. They believe that play is the primary way children learn about the world. These centres provide children with opportunities for free play, imaginative play, and social interaction, in line with the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
2. Curriculum and Structure:
- Montessori Early Childhood Centre: Montessori classrooms have a structured curriculum that is designed to follow the child’s natural development. Children are encouraged to choose their own activities and work at their own pace. The curriculum includes practical life skills, sensorial activities, math, language, and cultural studies.
- Play-Based Learning Centre: Play-based centres have a more flexible and child-led approach. They provide a variety of toys, materials, and activities for children to engage in. The curriculum is less structured and allows children to explore their interests through play, aligned with the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
3. Teacher Role:
- Montessori Early Childhood Centre: Montessori teachers are often referred to as guides or facilitators. They observe and support children’s learning, offering guidance when needed but allowing children to take the lead in their education. We were taught to follow the a-step lesson approach when introducing new materials and resources to children.
- Play-Based Learning Centre: Teachers in play-based learning centres create a safe and stimulating environment for play. They may actively participate in play with children, helping them navigate social interactions and providing support as needed, in accordance with the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
Practical skills
4. Materials and Environment:
- Montessori Early Childhood Centre: Montessori classrooms are carefully designed with specific learning materials that are age-appropriate and purposeful. These materials are meant to be self-correcting and encourage independent exploration.
- Play-Based Learning Centre: Play-based centres provide a wide range of open-ended toys and materials that promote creativity and imaginative play. The environment is often less structured, allowing children to choose activities based on their interests, consistent with the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
5. Assessment:
- Montessori Early Childhood Centre: Montessori education tends to rely less on traditional forms of assessment and grading. Instead, the focus is on observing a child’s progress and development over time.
- Play-Based Learning Centre: Assessment in play-based centres may be less formal and more focused on observing how well a child engages with others, problem-solves during play, and expresses themselves creatively, in alignment with the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
To read more about the Montessori approach
https://montessori.org.au/about-montessori
What do you like about Montessori and/or Play-based curriculum approach?
