Maria Montessori was an Italian educator. She was born on the …show more content…
Both methods of education were child centred. Children should experience self-directed learning and foster independence. Montessori stresses on the importance of freedom for a child. The teacher is there to observe and step in if necessary. (Flood and Hardy, 2013) Free movement, free choice and self- activity are important although Froebel believed they should be given within a framework of guidance in which the role of the adult is crucial. (O’shea, 2017) They both are strong believers that play was extremely important and they emphasise on the importance of getting children outdoors. Froebel believed everyday experience of the natural world is essential so that children can learn to appreciate its wonders. (Tovey, 2013) Both Froebel and Montessori believed children learn through their senses.
Although Montessori and Froebel have many similarities they do have one difference. Montessori has a more structured play approach where as Froebel has an unstructured approach towards play. Montessori focused on real life play, getting the children to take part in real life duties such as cooking food and sweeping the floor. Montessori was the first to introduce child size tools such as small chairs and tables. On the other hand, Froebel focused on imagination play where the child’s could play with what they