At the Royal Academy, we’re proud to offer an early learning program that blends the best of Montessori and Reggio-Emilia philosophies. Both approaches honour children as curious, capable learners with unique interests and strengths. By combining these two philosophies, we create a nurturing, engaging environment where children develop independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Parents often ask how Montessori and Reggio Emilia compare. While both emphasize child-led learning and respect for each child’s individuality, their methods and environments highlight different strengths.
Comparing The Differences Between Montessori and Reggio Emilia?
1. The Montessori Approach
- Child-led learning: Children choose activities that spark their curiosity within a carefully prepared environment.
- Hands-on materials: Montessori classrooms use tactile learning tools (like bead chains, sandpaper letters, and counting rods) that make abstract concepts concrete.
- Independence & responsibility: Children learn self-care, practical life skills, and respect for their environment.
- Multi-age classrooms: Younger children learn from older peers, while older ones strengthen their leadership skills.
2. The Reggio Emilia Approach
- The child as protagonist: Children are seen as strong, capable, and full of potential.
- Project-based learning: Teachers and children co-create projects that grow from children’s questions and interests.
- The hundred languages of children: Learning is expressed through art, movement, music, storytelling, building, and more.
- The environment as the third teacher: Classrooms are designed to inspire collaboration, wonder, and exploration.
3. Blending Montessori & Reggio at Royal Academy
- Individualized learning meets collaboration: Children have the freedom to choose activities while also engaging in group projects.
- Prepared yet flexible environment: Montessori structure combined with Reggio-inspired creativity.
- Focus on the whole child: Supporting social-emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
- Partnership with families: Parents are valued as co-educators, sharing in the child’s learning journey.
By bringing together Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, we offer a rich and balanced early learning experience. Children leave our programs confident, capable, and curious—well-prepared for school and for life.
Dramatic Play is a very effective way to teach young children how to recycle.
By making playful recycling bins, we created the perfect invitation for our preschoolers how to explore recycling in the 3–5-year-old program. Watch as our preschoolers sort paper, plastics, and cans into the correct bins — each choice is a small but mighty step toward caring for the planet. Recycling is more than a task — it’s an opportunity to build responsibility, teamwork, and environmental awareness in young learners. With colourful bins and hands-on practice, children discover that helping the Earth can be both fun and meaningful.
