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If you have begun your preschool search, you have likely come across different teaching philosophies Montessori, Playway, and Reggio Emilia.

All promise joyful learning, but what exactly do they mean? And more importantly, which one is right for your child?

Choosing a preschool isn’t just about classrooms and fees; it is about finding an environment that matches your child’s learning style, personality, and pace. In this guide, we will decode these three popular approaches used in Indian preschools and help you understand how they differ, and how Shanti Juniors blends the best of all three.

The Montessori Method

Founder: Dr. Maria Montessori (Italy, early 1900s)
Philosophy: “Help me do it myself.”

Montessori classrooms focus on independence and hands-on learning. Children learn by exploring materials beads, blocks, puzzles that build fine motor skills and problem-solving ability.

What Montessori Looks Like in Practice

• Classrooms have learning stations (language, math, life skills, sensorial).
• Children choose activities independently.
• Teachers observe and guide rather than “teach.”
• Mixed-age classrooms encourage peer learning.

Montessori Strengths

• Builds independence and focus.
• Encourages self-discipline and intrinsic motivation.
• Develops logic and real-world problem solving.

Things to Keep in Mind

• May feel too structured for very active or imaginative children.
• Works best when continued consistently for a few years.

The Playway Method

Philosophy: “Play is the highest form of learning.”

The Playway approach, often popular in Indian preschools, focuses on learning through fun. Instead of sitting at desks, children learn via games, songs, storytelling, and pretend play.

What Playway Looks Like in Practice

• Classrooms filled with colourful toys, puzzles, music, and dramatic play areas.
• Daily themes – animals, colours, seasons, woven into play activities.
• Teachers engage children in conversation, songs, and movement to teach early concepts.

Playway Strengths

• Ideal for younger children (Playgroup, Nursery).
• Encourages creativity, imagination, and expression.
• Makes early schooling enjoyable and stress-free.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Can sometimes lack academic structure if not balanced well.
• Works best when guided by trained teachers who weave learning into play intentionally.

 The Reggio Emilia Approach

Origin: Reggio Emilia, Italy (post–World War II)
Philosophy: “The child has a hundred languages.”

This approach views children as curious researchers. It values creativity, collaboration, and self-expression through art, storytelling, and projects.

What Reggio Emilia Looks Like in Practice

• Learning is project-based e.g., a class studies “Rain” through drawing, stories, songs, and science.
• The environment is considered the “third teacher.”
• Documentation (photos, drawings, quotes) tracks progress.
• Parents are active participants in learning.

Reggio Emilia Strengths

• Builds creativity and emotional intelligence.
• Encourages teamwork and communication.
• Great for nurturing curiosity and love for learning.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Needs skilled teachers to design and guide projects.
• Less common in traditional Indian settings, though some preschools (like Shanti Juniors) integrate its elements beautifully.

 Comparison Snapshot

 Which One Should You Choose?

Every child is different, some love quiet exploration, others thrive in movement and stories.
Here’s how you can decide:

1. Observe Your Child’s Style

• Do they enjoy puzzles and organizing things? → Montessori might fit.
• Do they love singing, pretend play, or messy fun? → Playway is ideal.
• Do they ask “why?” a lot and enjoy creating? → Reggio Emilia elements will engage them.

2. Consider Age and Readiness

For toddlers (2–3 years), a Playway start is often best, it is warm, sensory, and fun.
As your child grows (3–6 years), blending Montessori focus + Reggio creativity gives a well-rounded foundation.

3. Look for Balanced Preschools

Rather than focusing on labels, look for schools that combine structure, play, and curiosity giving your child both freedom and focus.

 The Shanti Juniors Preschool Approach: The Best of All Worlds

At Shanti Juniors, we believe every child learns differently. That’s why our curriculum is a balanced blend of:

• Montessori principles – fostering independence and concentration through hands-on activities.
• Playway approach – using songs, role play, and stories to teach early literacy and numeracy.
• Reggio inspiration – encouraging curiosity through art, exploration, and parent collaboration.

Our classrooms are designed to be safe, stimulating, and joyful. Teachers act as gentle guides creating experiences that make children love learning, not fear it.

 Parent Takeaway

You don’t need to be an expert in education methods. What matters is that your child feels happy, secure, and curious every day they go to school.

A good preschool should nurture all sides of your child – the thinker, the talker, the creator, and the dreamer.

That is what we do at Shanti Juniors – nurturing your child’s curiosity with care.

Final Thought

Whether you choose Montessori, Playway, or Reggio, the best preschool is the one that understands your child.

Admissions for 2026 are open now!
Book a centre visit today and experience how Shanti Juniors blends the joy of play with the power of purpose.