Steiner Waldorf and Montessori early childhood: What’s the difference?
Both Steiner Waldorf and Montessori are well-established, time-tested educational approaches, developed in the early 20th century by Rudolf Steiner and Maria Montessori, respectively. Today, they remain among the most popular alternatives to mainstream early childhood education, including in Aotearoa New Zealand.
What are some of the key differences and similarities between Steiner Waldorf and Montessori? Here, we compare these two approaches to early childhood education to help you decide what may be the best fit for your tamaiti and whānau.
Steiner Waldorf early childhood education aims to nurture imagination, creativity, social skills, and cognitive development through storytelling, group activities, a strong connection with nature, and ample time for unstructured, child-centred, self-directed play.
Montessori early childhood programmes encourage self-directed, self-motivated learning activities to promote cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical development in tamariki.
Similarities Between Steiner Waldorf and Montessori
Here are a few ways in which Steiner Waldorf and Montessori align in their approach to early childhood education:
Love of Learning: Though their methodologies differ, both Steiner Waldorf and Montessori foster a natural curiosity and love of learning in tamariki.
Teacher Training: Both Steiner Waldorf and Montessori educators undergo professional training specific to their school’s philosophy and pedagogy.
Screen Time and Media: Both approaches discourage screen time and media exposure for young children, promoting hands-on, real-world experiences instead.
Mixed-Age Classrooms: Montessori early childhood classrooms span three years of age, while Steiner Waldorf early childhood education typically spans two years. After early childhood, Steiner Waldorf classrooms are typically grouped by the same age.
Child Development Theory: Both Steiner Waldorf and Montessori are rooted in theories of child development, though their perspectives and implementation differ.
Focus on the Whole Child: Both approaches emphasise holistic education, incorporating the physical, intellectual, and spiritual development of every child.
Key Differences
Steiner Waldorf is Child-Centred; Montessori is Child-Directed
In Steiner Waldorf early childhood settings, Kaiako are typically involved in purposeful work: gardening, washing, cleaning, cooking where tamariki are able to choose to join in with these tasks, or engage in imaginative, interactive, child-led free play. In Montessori classrooms, children select and complete tasks independently, with learning guided by their individual skill level and interests.
Introduction to Core Academics
In Steiner Waldorf early childhood education, learning happens through play, guided group activities such as waiata (songs), pūrākau (storytelling), and movement. Formal academic instruction begins in Class 1 (equivalent to Year 2 in mainstream schools). Not all Steiner Waldorf early childhood centres in Aotearoa are attached to schools. Tamariki transition into state or state-intergrated schools by their 6th birthday. In Montessori, tamariki engage with practical life tasks and academic concepts from as early as age three.
Daily Rhythm
Both approaches structure the day around a predictable rhythm, though their focus differs. Steiner Waldorf early childhood education offers a balance between teacher-led activities (pūrākau and circle-time) and social free play, with dedicated time for rest and nourishment together as a group. Montessori settings prioritise uninterrupted work periods, where tamariki engage in self-chosen tasks, with time set aside for rest and play.
Imagination vs. Practical Skills
Steiner Waldorf early childhood education is play-based, with a strong emphasis on imaginative, self-directed play. Practical life skills, such as gardening and cooking, are woven into the day as complementary activities. Montessori, by contrast, encourages tamariki to learn through hands-on work and real-life tasks, fostering independence and problem-solving without a strong emphasis on fantasy.
Materials & Environment
Montessori classrooms are known for their specially designed learning materials that promote hands-on exploration. The environment is typically simple and uncluttered to encourage focus. In contrast, a Steiner Waldorf early childhood education setting is designed to feel homely and inviting, with natural materials and soft colours to create a sense of warmth and security.
Choosing What’s Right for Your Whānau
Both Steiner Waldorf and Montessori offer rich, child-centred learning experiences that nurture tamariki holistically. The best choice depends on your child’s learning style, your whānau values, and the type of environment where your child thrives. For more information about Montessori in Aotearoa New Zealand visit here.