Approaches that suit your children’s needs (Reggio Emilia or Montessori)
Are you considering the best educational approach for your child? Selecting the right method is a crucial step, as it enables parents to carefully evaluate each option before choosing the most suitable fit. Among the most well-known approaches are the Reggio Emilia and Montessori methods. Both have unique philosophies, strengths, and benefits that can shape a child’s growth in different ways.
Before going any further, let’s get to know more about these two approaches. Both the Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches began in Italy and have since shaped education worldwide. Montessori was founded in 1907 by Dr Maria Montessori, who believed children learn best through self-directed exploration. She noticed that children naturally absorb knowledge from their surroundings when given the right environment. Today, Montessori schools are found worldwide, with many of her ideas influencing mainstream education. Reggio Emilia started after World War II in the town of the same name, led by educator Loris Malaguzzi and a group of parents. They envisioned schools where children’s curiosity, creativity, and collaboration drive learning, rather than strict teacher-led instruction. This approach has since spread internationally, inspiring child-centred classrooms that value exploration and critical thinking.
Let’s dive into the learning tools that are related to these two approaches.
Before going any further, let’s get to know more about these two approaches. Both the Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches began in Italy and have since shaped education worldwide. Montessori was founded in 1907 by Dr Maria Montessori, who believed children learn best through self-directed exploration. She noticed that children naturally absorb knowledge from their surroundings when given the right environment. Today, Montessori schools are found worldwide, with many of her ideas influencing mainstream education. Reggio Emilia started after World War II in the town of the same name, led by educator Loris Malaguzzi and a group of parents. They envisioned schools where children’s curiosity, creativity, and collaboration drive learning, rather than strict teacher-led instruction. This approach has since spread internationally, inspiring child-centred classrooms that value exploration and critical thinking.
Let’s dive into the learning tools that are related to these two approaches.
In Montessori classrooms, children learn through hands-on, self-correcting tools that encourage independence and problem-solving. Materials such as counting rods, sandpaper letters, sorting sets, and sensory puzzles allow children to explore and learn at their own pace. These age-specific products are designed to build concentration and confidence while supporting structured, child-led learning. In contrast, Reggio Emilia classrooms view the environment as the “third teacher”, where open-ended and collaborative play takes centre stage. Tools like wall-mounted learning systems, art and craft resources, role-play costumes, light tables, and community play sets help create spaces that reflect children’s world, sparking curiosity, creativity, and teamwork.
At USL Educational Supplies, we provide a wide range of products inspired by both approaches, giving educators and parents the tools to nurture every child’s unique learning journey. Both Montessori and Reggio Emilia help children grow in unique ways. Choosing the right approach depends on your child’s needs and personality. With the right tools from USL Educational Supplies, you can create a learning environment that inspires curiosity and confidence.
At USL Educational Supplies, we provide a wide range of products inspired by both approaches, giving educators and parents the tools to nurture every child’s unique learning journey. Both Montessori and Reggio Emilia help children grow in unique ways. Choosing the right approach depends on your child’s needs and personality. With the right tools from USL Educational Supplies, you can create a learning environment that inspires curiosity and confidence.