By Marie Catrett

At The Olive Tree, prospective parents often ask us what the difference is between Montessori and Reggio- Emilia. Montessori and Reggio- Emilia have similar themes and constructs. Both the Reggio-Emilia and Montessori educational philosophies originated in Italy and have been brought to the United States by educators who believe that beautiful, well prepared environments and thoughtful teachers (also called “guides”) best meet the cognitive, social/emotional, and physical developmental needs of young children.

The Montessori classroom uses a set series of materials, known as didactics. These materials were designed and tested by Maria Montessori through careful observation of the children. Materials are grouped together on trays and in small baskets and children learn the process of selecting (or being “drawn to”) materials, using the materials (often being given a formal lesson from a guide or more experienced child) and returning the materials back to the shelf. Montessorians refer to the children’s activities as “work”, meaning that their actions are considered of great importance. Each child works at their own pace and individual activity is a major focus. Learning is sequential, presenting the child with a concrete understanding of their world.

We have a deep respect for the fine work of our colleagues in Montessori. Although we look to Reggio- Emilia as the heart and center of our inspiration, at The Olive Tree, we see many areas of overlap with a shared emphasis on the importance of the children’s quest for independence, their responsibility and care for our shared environment, the categorization and order of materials, and an emphasis on teachers, as thoughtful grownups who learn about children via careful observation.

In our Reggio Emilia inspired practice:

• We see children as competent, full of potential and powerful in that they actively construct their own learning.
• We believe that learning is a journey undertaken by children and adults, together. We learn, play and grow in relationship with each other.
• Creative arts, especially drawing, painting and clay, are expressive languages that we believe are extremely important for children. All children have time and opportunity to develop these expressions daily.
•  Documentation is the process that helps us see the children more carefully, so we know how to be of service to them.
•  We value children’s play and we also encourage their investigation.
•  Staff collaborate with parents, teaching partners, colleagues and the larger community to serve children best.

Back to school is such a spectacular time. As teachers, we feel the excitement and intensity of redesigning our classrooms and preparing to connect with a new community of children and their grownups.

From the very first pre-visit, we start asking ourselves what interests might we see emerge today? What will challenge and delight this child and this group of learners? What are our passions, our worries, our play? Tell me more about…

During our first few days together, connection begins.

Some paint is mixed. Words are written. There are scraped knees and gentle friends. A parent comes back right after lunch, just like they promised, after a goodbye at the rainbow spot by the gate.

With each interaction, trust develops between children and guides and between parents and teachers. Questions are asked, answered, and asked again. We make a plan to talk more, to take the time to notice the little things that build children’s worlds: the tiny rock brought shyly out of a pocket, the Band-Aid on a scraped knee, new red shoes, a birthday, a brand new friend.

Here is my favorite back to school ritual: on behalf of all the staff at OTLC, we thank you for the opportunity to work with your children. Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in us to nurture, challenge, support and grow together. We thank you for your trust and we promise, every day, to earn it.

It’s going to be a wonderful year.

See you soon,
Marie Catrett
Director of Learning

Our classroom blogs are still available. These blogs are designed for parents to have a quick snapshot into their child’s classroom life. Please visit the following links with the passwords provided to you by your child’s guide.

Pre-Primary: http://otlcpreprimary.blogspot.com/

Primary: http://otlcprimary.blogspot.com/

L’Atelier: http://theatelierclass.blogspot.com/