What are the similarities and differences between Montessori and Waldorf methods?

Shaz Asks:

If you have experience with either of these education methods, please describe a typical day in the life of a kindergarten student.

Rob’s Answer:

I do have experience with both of these methods.  I was a classroom teacher before engaging my entrepreneurial spirit.  I have deeply considered, researched and experienced both systems.

1)
A Preface

The education that your child receives in a classroom is almost completely dependent on the teacher. There are several different methods of teaching and the best teachers know how to adapt the lessons that they teach to each individual. Teaching takes an incredible amount of experience, energy and care. First and foremost, evaluate the teachers who will be teaching your son or daughter in both systems and allow your careful considerations on this single fact play a major roll in choosing a school for your child.

2)
Sticking With The Program

Once you make a decision about the quality of instruction at a particular school, it is important to realize that there are significant and far reaching differences between Montessori and Waldorf schools.

Once a child is exposed to either system for any length of time, it will be very difficult for the child to switch. I have personally experienced children who have been moved from Montessori programs into Waldorf programs. The transition is difficult, frustrating, and significant for parents and children alike.

3)
Montessori vs. Waldorf

The key difference between Montessori and Waldorf methods is that in Montessori, the day is not divided between work, rest and play periods. Children are given the opportunity to choose their own activities in the classroom. On the other hand, Waldorf programs maintain scheduled activities that are adhered to through "periods" and often "days".

Each system has unique benefits. These benefits cater as much to the teaching styles of the instructors as they do the learning styles of the child. The unstructured play of the Montessori system fosters creativity and self awareness while the Waldorf system caters to the natural rhythms of development that children thrive on.

Beyond these core differences, you'll find that the subjective nature of teaching styles and environment play a major role in the comparisons that have been done. For example, Montessori evangelists will say that their system puts math and language first. Waldorf supporters will say that their proven system gives equal time to development in all areas. Understandably, these differences along with other common comparisons are not concise and differ from school to school.

4)
Typical Day

A typical day of a kindergarten student will be based on the structure that is set out by the school and more importantly in kindergarten, the teacher. You could receive anecdotal, generalized descriptions however the only real way to tell what a day in the life will look like is to sit in a classroom. If possible, I recommend that you volunteer your time in the schools you are considering. You will get an in depth view and know exactly what happens.

I hope that this provides some insight and helps you in your decision!