The Pikler approach vs the Montessori approach: a detailed guide to help you decide.

Introduction: Are you confused about which of these 2 well respected methods you should be using to help your child develop to their full potential?

Context:

Globally, Maria Montessori is more widely recognized than Dr Emmi Pikler in the area of child development. Maria Montessori's educational philosophy has been implemented worldwide in thousands of Montessori schools, catering to children from infancy to adolescence. Montessori's contributions to education, particularly her emphasis on independence, respect for a child's natural psychological development, and the use of specially designed learning materials, have had a significant impact globally.

Dr Emmi Pikler, while highly respected in the field of early childhood development, particularly for her research on the importance of free movement and respectful care, has a more niche following compared to Montessori. The Pikler Approach is implemented in specific programs and institutions that focus on early childhood, and while it has influenced childcare philosophies worldwide, it does not have the same extensive network of schools and centres as the Montessori Method.

Both educators have made invaluable contributions to understanding and supporting child development, but Maria Montessori's approach has achieved broader global recognition and application.

 

Dr Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator born in 1870, broke gender barriers in her quest to become a doctor. She graduated with honours in medicine and embarked on a journey that would revolutionize education. Montessori believed in children's natural curiosity and ability to learn through interaction with their environment. She introduced the Montessori Method, emphasizing hands-on learning, self-directed activity, and collaborative play. This approach, focusing on the whole child; physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development +is now embraced worldwide in many schools. Montessori's legacy is a testament to her belief in the potential of every child to thrive given the freedom to explore and learn in a supportive environment. For a detailed exploration, you can read more on her Wikipedia page​​ - Maria Montessori - Wikipedia

 To read more on the Montessori approach, there is a great resource with the American Montessori Society where you can find lots of great information here.

Dr Emmi Pikler

Emmi Pikler was a revolutionary Hungarian paediatrician who shifted how we think about childcare and development. Born in Vienna in 1902, she moved to Budapest and later became a prominent figure in paediatric medicine. Pikler’s big idea? Let kids move freely and grow at their own pace. She founded the Lóczy Institute, where her hands-off approach—focusing on attentive caregiving, freedom of movement, and respect for the child’s initiative—helped shape healthier, happier kids. Her legacy, including the influential orphanage Lóczy and her student Magda Gerber, continues to inspire caregivers worldwide to foster environments where children can develop naturally. For a deep dive into her life and work, check out her Wikipedia page​​. Emmi Pikler - Wikipedia

For those wanting to read more in depth about Dr Emmi Pikler and her approach there is a great resource here.

Another great resource that summarises the Pikler Approach: Attachment Parenting And The Pikler Approach: What Is It? by Dorothy Marlen.

The Pikler Triangle, an apparatus rooted in Emmi Pikler's educational approach, plays a pivotal role in child development by supporting free movement and self-directed exploration, essential principles shared with Montessori's focus on independent learning. While Montessori education emphasizes structured activities and environments, both methodologies value the importance of physical and cognitive development through interaction with the environment. Incorporating a Pikler Triangle in a child's play area encourages the development of motor skills, fosters a sense of achievement, and aligns with Montessori's aim to provide stimulating, educational tools that respect the child's natural growth pace and curiosity.

The Pikler and Montessori approaches to child development share some common principles but also have distinct characteristics.

Similarities:

• Child-Centred: Both approaches place a strong emphasis on respecting the child as an individual and fostering independence.

• Active Learning: They encourage children to learn through active exploration and interaction with their environment.

• Developmentally Appropriate Practices: Both methodologies promote activities that are suitable for the child's developmental stage, emphasizing the importance of physical movement and self-directed play.

• Prepared Environment: Montessori and Pikler both stress the importance of creating a prepared environment that is safe, nurturing, and tailored to the child's learning needs.

Differences:

• Origins: The Montessori method was developed by Dr Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, while the Pikler approach was developed by Dr Emmi Pikler, a Hungarian paediatrician.

A physician is a general term for a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, and other health conditions in patients. A paediatrician, on the other hand, is a specialized physician focusing on the physical, behavioural, and mental health care of children from infancy through adolescence. Paediatricians have specialized knowledge in treating childhood illnesses and developmental issues, and they undergo additional training specifically in paediatrics after completing medical school.

• Structure vs. Freedom: Montessori environments are known for their structured learning materials and activities, often with specific outcomes in mind. The Pikler approach is less structured, focusing more on free movement and play.

• Role of the Adult: In Montessori, the adult acts as a guide and introduces materials when appropriate. In Pikler's philosophy, the adult is more observational, stepping back to allow the child to initiate and direct their own play.

• Physical Development: While both value physical development, the Pikler approach places a stronger emphasis on free movement from birth, trusting children to reach physical milestones at their own pace without interference.

Both the Pikler and Montessori approaches have influenced early childhood education and parenting around the world, providing valuable frameworks for nurturing young children's growth and learning. To delve deeper into their methodologies and applications, it would be beneficial to read academic articles, books, and practitioner guides specific to each approach.

 

Here is an easy reference table comparison of the Montessori and Pikler approaches to child development:

Aspect	Montessori Approach	Pikler Approach
Focus	Cognitive learning, knowledge creation, problem-solving, and inner motivation without the need for memorization.	Emphasizes free development, individuality, and autonomy of children, with minimal adult intervention.
Learning Environment	Structured with specific learning materials and activities.	Less structured, emphasizing free movement and play.
Role of Adults	Guides who introduce materials and activities.	Observational, allowing children to initiate and direct their own play.
Physical Development	Encourages learning through five senses and tangible interaction with materials.	Focuses on free movement from birth, trusting children to reach physical milestones at their own pace.
Social and Group Development	Group learning with older children passing knowledge to younger ones, promoting social customs and awareness.	Not explicitly detailed, but free movement and individual play suggest less emphasis on group learning.
Educational Tools	Specific educational materials for different learning areas.	Emphasizes natural exploration with minimal use of specific tools.
Age Focus	Early elementary-aged children.	Newborns through early infancy and into toddlerhood.

 

Montessori education is based on cognitive learning, focusing on creating knowledge and solving problems with inner motivation, without needing memorization. It uses structured environments with specific learning materials. Montessori encourages social development through group learning and introduces mathematics with tangible materials for deeper understanding.

A Montessori Classroom is a Structured Environment

The Pikler approach, developed post-World War II by Emmi Pikler, centres on the child's free development and autonomy, with minimal adult intervention. It highlights the importance of free movement and the careful design of environments to support this. Pikler emphasizes emotional care alongside physical health, advocating for individual exploration and movement.

An Environment that allows free movement and development.

Both approaches value the child's independence and learning through self-directed activity but differ in structure, adult involvement, and the use of specific educational materials. Montessori is more structured with a variety of learning materials, while Pikler focuses on free movement and play, especially in the early years​​​​​​.

 

Summary

So, in which direction should you go on the important subject of your child developmental needs….

Choosing between Montessori and Pikler for your child's development depends on your values and your child's needs. Montessori might be your pick if you're drawn to structured learning and fostering independence through a variety of educational materials. If a more hands-off approach resonates with you, emphasizing free movement and allowing your child to develop at their own pace, Pikler could be the way to go. Many parents find blending elements of both—Montessori's rich learning environments with Pikler's emphasis on motor development and caregiver connection—offers a balanced approach to nurturing a child's growth.

Should you wish to read more on the Pikler Philosophy then the Pikler UK Association is an invaluable resource.