Reggio Emilia vs. Montessori: What's the Difference?
Reggio Emilia and Montessori are often mentioned together, but they are genuinely different. Here is a clear, side-by-side comparison of where they agree, where they part ways, and how to choose.
Short answer: Both Reggio Emilia and Montessori respect children as capable and center hands-on, child-led learning in a carefully prepared environment. The key difference is structure: Montessori uses a defined sequence of self-correcting materials and a trained guide who introduces them; Reggio Emilia is more fluid and project-based, with curriculum that emerges from children's interests and is made visible through documentation. Neither is "better" — they suit different philosophies of how learning should unfold.
Where they agree
It is worth starting with the common ground, because it is substantial:
- Children are competent, capable, and active in their own learning.
- The environment matters deeply — both approaches prepare beautiful, intentional spaces with real materials.
- Learning is hands-on, not worksheet-driven.
- The adult is a guide or facilitator, not a lecturer.
- Both value independence, concentration, and respect for the child.
Where they part ways
| Dimension | Montessori | Reggio Emilia |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Dr. Maria Montessori, Italy, early 1900s | Loris Malaguzzi & parents, Reggio Emilia, Italy, post-WWII |
| Curriculum | Structured sequence; children choose within a defined framework | Emergent; grows from children's interests and projects |
| Materials | Specific, self-correcting Montessori materials used a particular way | Open-ended materials and "loose parts"; used many ways |
| Role of teacher | Trained guide who observes and introduces materials at the right moment | Co-researcher who listens, provokes, and documents alongside children |
| Documentation | Records of progress and mastery | Central practice — learning is made visible on the walls |
| Structure vs. flexibility | More consistent and prescribed across schools | More variable; "Reggio-inspired" looks different in each setting |
How to think about the choice
For families, the question is often temperament and values: some children thrive with Montessori's clear structure and independence; others flourish in Reggio's open-ended, project-driven creativity. Many excellent programs borrow from both.
For educators, the good news is that you do not have to pick a team. The Reggio lens — a strong image of the child, the environment as third teacher, emergent curriculum, and documentation — enriches almost any setting, including one that uses Montessori materials. To go deeper on the Reggio side, read the full Reggio Emilia approach guide or see it in action in the everyday classroom.
Bring Reggio-grounded training to your team
Camille Armstrong's workshops are grounded in the Reggio Emilia approach and translate these ideas into practice you can use Monday morning — while counting toward your DECAL-approved annual CEU hours in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Explore the workshops catalog or plan your year on the annual packs page.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the main difference between Reggio Emilia and Montessori?
- Montessori follows a structured sequence of self-correcting materials introduced by a trained guide, while Reggio Emilia is more fluid and project-based, with curriculum that emerges from children's interests and is documented to make learning visible.
- Are Reggio Emilia and Montessori completely opposite?
- No. They share a lot: both see children as capable, prepare intentional environments, emphasize hands-on learning, and treat the adult as a guide. They differ mainly in how structured the materials and curriculum are.
- Which is better, Reggio Emilia or Montessori?
- Neither is universally better. Montessori suits children and families who value clear structure and independence; Reggio suits those who value open-ended, interest-driven, creative learning. Many programs blend elements of both.
- Can a classroom use both approaches?
- Yes. Many educators keep Montessori materials while adopting the Reggio lens — a strong image of the child, an intentional environment, emergent curriculum, and documentation — because those principles enrich almost any early childhood setting.