Are you examining your child’s options for preschool?
For parents like you, selecting a school is a significant decision, so it’s critical to weigh all of your alternatives before determining which one is best for your child. You may now be choosing between the Montessori method and the Goddard method.
When selecting a preschool or daycare for their children, one of the first issues that many parents have is whether to choose the Montessori method or Goddard.
Here are some of the main distinctions and additional factors to think about before making a choice.
What is Goddard?
This program, which is a nationwide franchised program and accredited by specific states, is a full-day program as compared to many others, which are part-time.
As stated on the Goddard website, this philosophy places a strong emphasis on uniqueness and employs a play-based methodology that is student-focused and teaching assistant.
The website also emphasizes the emphasis placed by the institutions on fostering intellectual and social development.
What is Montessori?
The Montessori method is mostly exclusively used in early contexts in the United States, and some kids may find it difficult to adjust to a more organized environment later on.
The genuine philosophy of education calls for entirely child-led learning, thus most people who use it do so with a knowledge of a balanced teacher-directed method.
As a result, rather than being strictly applied, Montessori is more often than not impacted. Each child is given opportunities to learn through discovery, creativity, and individualized instruction.
Montessori is not just for infants, but for kids as well.
How is Goddard school different from Montessori?
The Montessori approach is adaptable and may be used in practically any place. In addition, there are several public schools that identify as Montessori schools.
This is a wonderful fit for those who strongly identify with the Montessori philosophy of learning and believe their kid will benefit from the high degree of freedom.
The Goddard method of teaching is well-founded and supported by research, but that alone does not make it special. The strict criteria and inspection of the brand, as well as the dedication of the local proprietors, are what makes Goddard schools so special.
Detailed comparison of Goddard vs Montessori
Many parents wonder if they should choose a Montessori School or a Goddard School. These are two of the top child care schools in the world, and they offer many different education programs. However, they both have pros and cons. So what is the difference? Let’s figure out below :
Goddard vs Montessori – Method of teaching
In a structured atmosphere, children utilize specially created toys and materials in a Montessori classroom to choose their own activities and investigate projects at their own speed.
Teachers offer activities and then take a backseat as observers rather than organizing and supervising group projects in the classroom. Concentration is encouraged since students are allowed to work on their preferred hobbies for extended periods of time.
The central principles of Goddard’s educational system are Personalized Development and Fun While Learning. Goddard thinks that when kids are having fun, learning happens most naturally.
They claim that learning via playing works because kids are more likely to recall lessons they love. Additionally, Goddard employs a F.L.E.X Learning Program that features teacher-led and student-centered teaching.
This implies that instruction is tailored to the interests of the students.
Read: Primrose vs Goddard
Goddard vs Montessori – Classroom Design
In order to give children a choice, teachers set up specialized items and areas in Montessori classrooms, as well as both private and group stations. Instead of using desks, children use the floor or tables.
Children-sized furnishings include bookshelves with things within reach that is at eye level. The Montessori method emphasizes movement; when children make decisions, they walk around the classroom.
This kind of educational setting values hygiene and discipline.
The layout of the classrooms is equally important to the Goddard School. Teachers provide areas for youngsters in groups of various sizes. Teachers pay great attention to elements like texture and color to attract student interest since learning requires hands-on inquiry. Goddard places a strong focus on documentation, and there is a lot of student work and writing from field trips exhibited around the classroom.
Goddard vs Montessori – Learning resources
Children in a Montessori classroom work using self-correcting learning tools, which allow them to try again and fix their errors after making an erroneous effort to complete a game or puzzle.
These classrooms use age-appropriate items that are particularly well suited to learning in the Montessori manner.
Goddard kids, on the other hand, learn directly from their surroundings, therefore the classroom is designed to be an extension of the student’s lives, and its complexity is aimed to represent the students’ culture.
Goddard vs Montessori – Assessments
Assessments aren’t done by giving students tests and giving them grades in Goddard or Montessori schools. Instead, the success and involvement rates of the students are tracked through documentation and profile development.
Both approaches uphold the school community, which includes parents and teachers. Teachers in both types of schools also have a strong commitment to what they do.
Goddard vs Montessori – Freedom
From an early age, Montessori students enjoy a lot more independence than the rest of their peers. Instead of working mostly on huge group tasks, kids will frequently be able to decide what they do and when during the day.
Goddard gives slightly less freedom than Montessori because it follows FLEX learning methods. The same activities that everyone else is performing in large and small groups will be done by the children at conventional preschools like Goddard.
Goddard vs Montessori Fee and Pricing
The Goddard School’s tuition fees vary depending on the student’s age and location. In most places, full-time tuition often costs between $1,200 and $1,650 per month, while part-time tuition costs roughly between $520 and $800 per month.
However, it’s crucial to remember that since every Montessori school is run separately, tuition varies greatly from location to location.
American Montessori Society claims that a monthly average fee for a Montessori school in the United States may be as follows: $1,500 for infants, $1,200 for early childhood students, and $1,600 for secondary students.
FAQ
Is Goddard like Montessori?
The answer is no. Montessori is a method of teaching and learning that focuses on a child’s needs and abilities and has a humanistic philosophy. Montessori classrooms utilize a hands-on, child-centered approach to teaching and learning. The Montessori method believes that children learn better when they are in a safe and nurturing environment. The Goddard School strives to fulfill the needs of children in the classroom but does not have a humanistic philosophy.
What kind of child does best in Montessori?
There are many different opinions on what kind of child would do best in a Montessori environment. Some people believe that the child should be well-behaved and well-mannered, while others say that the child could be of any age, as long as they can learn.
Goddard vs Montessori – Which is better?
Goddard is a rather conventional preschool. Children will experience a variety of activities here, including singing, music, and painting as well as math, science, and reading lessons. In comparison to their contemporaries, they will be extremely well-prepared, and they shouldn’t be neglected in any crucial areas.
While Montessori emphasizes a self-directed, exploratory approach to learning, their Balanced Learning strategy juggles meaningful play and loving teacher leadership. Following a structured daily program, kids acquire social skills and self-control via a balanced combination of scheduled, purposeful learning activities and imaginative play.
Children who attend a Montessori school will have greater freedom to select their activities and their peers.
Final verdict
The decision between Goddard vs Montessori is not simple. But you’ll be most equipped to accept one of the models of early education if you’ve done a lot of studies and understood what motivates your child.
The majority of Goddard schools might be categorized as conventional daycares and preschools. Montessori has a widely differing strategy.
Both Goddard and Montessori schools differ slightly from one another. Before making a choice, you must thoroughly consider your local possibilities.