A Spark Studio combining: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf

Early childhood education is an important time for children to learn, grow, and develop. It is during this time that children form the foundations for their future learning and development, and it is therefore crucial that they receive a high-quality education during these early years. There are many different models of early childhood education that have been developed over the years, each with their own unique philosophy, approach, and benefits.

As I explored opening Acton Academy Columbus, I spent a lot of time studying various different models of education - everything from the traditional model to radical unschooling. And while I think each of the models I stuided had a lot of merit, I was particularly intrigued by the following models for early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Anji Play.

Montessori Education

Montessori education was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, in the early 20th century. Montessori believed that children have a natural desire to learn and that they are capable of absorbing knowledge on their own if given the opportunity. She also believed that children learn best through hands-on, experiential learning and that they should be given the freedom to explore and discover for themselves.

Montessori classrooms are designed to be interactive and hands-on, with a wide range of materials that children can use to learn and explore. The teacher's role is to observe the children and guide them in their learning, rather than directly teaching them. Children are encouraged to work at their own pace and to follow their own interests, rather than being forced to adhere to a rigid curriculum.

The benefits of the Montessori model are numerous. Children who attend Montessori schools tend to be more independent, confident, and self-motivated learners. They also tend to have higher levels of academic achievement and social skills.

Reggio Emilia Approach

The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education was developed in the town of Reggio Emilia, Italy after World War II. The approach is based on the belief that children are competent, curious, and capable of creating their own meaning and understanding of the world around them.

The Reggio Emilia approach places a strong emphasis on collaboration and communication, both among the children and between the children and teachers. Children are encouraged to express their thoughts and ideas through a variety of media, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and writing.

The benefits of the Reggio Emilia approach include the development of critical thinking skills, creativity, and self-expression. Children who attend Reggio Emilia schools tend to be confident, independent learners who are able to express themselves effectively.

Waldorf Education

Waldorf education, also known as Steiner education, was developed by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century. Waldorf education is based on the belief that children's physical, emotional, and spiritual development should be nurtured in a holistic manner.

Waldorf classrooms are typically characterized by a calm, nurturing environment with a focus on nature, art, and creativity. The curriculum is designed to be developmentally appropriate, with a strong emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning. The teacher's role is to guide and support the children's learning and development, rather than being the primary source of knowledge.

The benefits of Waldorf education include the development of strong social and emotional skills, as well as creativity and a sense of purpose. Children who attend Waldorf schools tend to be well-rounded, confident individuals with a strong sense of self.

Anji Play

Anji Play is a Chinese educational approach that was developed by educators in the Anji County of China in the 1990s. It is based on the belief that children learn best through play and that they should be given the freedom to explore and discover their surroundings. Anji Play classrooms are designed to be rich in materials and resources that allow children to engage in self-directed, open-ended play. Teachers provide support and guidance as needed, but the focus is on allowing children to learn through their own experiences and interactions with the environment.

The Anji play model emphasizes the importance of providing children with a wide range of materials and resources that allow them to engage in open-ended, imaginative play. This might include a variety of materials such as blocks, paint, sand, water, and nature elements like rocks, sticks, and leaves. The environment is designed to be aesthetically pleasing and well-organized, with plenty of natural light and a spacious layout that allows for movement and exploration.

The role of the teacher in the Anji play model is to facilitate and support children's learning rather than to direct or instruct them. Teachers observe and interact with children as they play, providing guidance and support as needed and helping to extend and enrich their learning experiences.

Acton Approach

All of these early childhood education models recognize the importance of allowing children to learn and explore at their own pace and in their own way. They all place a strong emphasis on the role of play in learning and on the importance of providing a supportive and enriching environment that allows children to develop their full potential.

As a parent, as an educator - I was inspired by each of these models. For this reason, the Acton Academy Columbus Spark Studio will be a combination of these 4 education models: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Spark Play.

Our mornings at the Spark Studio will be focused on the individual following a Montessori-inspired approach. We will focus heavily on outdoor time - similar to what we currently do in our Elementary studio. Similar to a Waldorf type approach, we’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. Our Spark Play - inspired by Anji Play - will be focused on unstructured outdoor time. Our afternoons will be highly collaborative and focused on Projects / Quests following a Reggio Emilia inspired approach.

If this sounds like what you’re looking for, learn more about our Spark Studio (Preschool / Kindergarten) and set up a school tour.

Note: This blog ppst was written with assistance from ChatGPT.