I have recently decided to take a break from Montessori to learn more about the Waldorf method. Technically however, I realise that I'm just learning something else on top of Montessori. *:>*
Can they work with each other, yes, but at the expense of going against some very core opinions.
One does not have to delve deeper than on when the child should learn how to read. If the child is exposed to reading skills in Montessori schools as young as three, Waldorf educators believe that such an act is detrimental to his holistic growth no less.
Academic learning starts only after the child has lost his teeth, usually around the age of seven. For only then does the child has the 'energies' available for such activities that have been freed from being inputs for the child's basic physical or spiritual growth, for example.
Then there is the area of play, specifically imaginary play, that puts Montessori and Waldorf poles apart. In Waldorf play, the 'toys' are made in the most simple and natural manner so the child's imagination can play an architectural role in how the play is to be carried out.
A doll, for one, shouldn't have too much details about it. None of those fancy painted eyes that shut and open when you want them, sounds of crying or laughter nor lifelike features. Like any toy in Waldorf, it should be simple and natural. Better without an expression for the child to imagine one for himself.
I can help thinking about Hello Kitty and Miffy... were they Waldorf inspired?
Where Montessori believed that 'imaginary play' in a young child is a phase not to be encouraged; one shouldn't make a stick a horse but go out there and see a real horse....It's perfectly fine in Waldorf for the child to imagine any stick or flower to be horses or fairies, in fact it's healthy.
I have just read "Children at Play" where there was a section on how a child deprived of imagining her rolled up nightie to be a doll has created an imaginary doll. Montessori believed that children imagine things because of an unsatisfied need and if this need is satisfied this 'make believe' will go away. Two parts of the same coin?
One platform that brings Waldorf and Montessori together is respect for the child and the importance of creating a sense of awe in learning. All those nature walks, admiring the skies above, learning things from nature....then there's the Head, Heart and Hand.
I am enjoying this journey of discovery every minute. I must say it has been a smoother and more beautiful journey since I incorporated the two methods into our homeschool.
