Which is better: Montessori or Play-based learning?

You might be wondering if Montessori is play based or how play based learning compares to Montessori. Let's settle the debate.

While the Montessori style of school includes elements of play, it's not the same thing as a play-based approach. The differences between the two matter—especially if you're choosing a preschool or planning your curriculum.

We'll break down what each one looks like in action, where they overlap, and how to figure out which one might be a better fit for your child’s learning style.

What Is Montessori Learning?

Montessori learning starts with a simple idea: young learners are curious and capable. They just need the right environment. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that when learners have the freedom to move, make choices, and follow their interests, meaningful learning happens naturally.

That belief shapes everything about the classroom. In a Montessori setting, the teacher sets up activities and materials ahead of time. But it's the learner who chooses what to work on and when.

So what does Montessori learning actually look like? Here are some common features:

• Partially child-led learning – Learners are free to move around and choose from activities the teacher has already set up. They get to decide what to do, but always within a teacher-designed structure.
• Decentralized classroom – Teachers don’t stand at the front of the class, and learners aren’t in desks. Instead, the day is built around hands-on tasks and stations.
• Concrete materials – Learners explore real objects, tools, and puzzles to help them understand abstract ideas.
• Early introduction to academic concepts – Montessori materials often introduce skills like math, language, and science earlier than in traditional settings—but always in a hands-on, self-paced way that builds on the learner’s curiosity.
• Limited pretend play – While learners can explore materials on their own, pretend play isn’t usually encouraged. The focus is on completing tasks, not imagining roles or stories.
• Task-oriented learning – Each station has a clear goal. The teacher expects learners to complete specific steps to finish each task.

So—is Montessori good? For some learners, yes. It supports independence, focus, and structure. It can be a great fit for learners who like routine and enjoy working on their own. But it may not work as well for learners who need more room for creativity, pretend play, or collaboration.

Here’s a quick look at the Montessori pros and cons:

Pros:

• Encourages independence and responsibility
• Calm, focused environment
• Hands-on materials and consistent routines

Cons:

• Not much pretend play
• Fewer chances to collaborate
• Can feel too structured for some learners
  
  

What Is Play-Based Learning?

Play based learning puts the learner in charge. Instead of following a fixed plan, learners follow their curiosity—and teachers step in to support as needed.

This approach values learning through play, using open-ended materials, imagination, and peer interaction to explore big ideas.

These are some things you’ll often see in a play-based learning environment:

• Decentralized learning environments (similar to Montessori) – Young learners can move freely, choose their own activities, and work at different areas or stations. It might look chaotic, but it’s intentionally structured and easy to manage. (Read more in: How to Control Classroom Chaos)
• Unstructured time – Children choose from a wide range of open-ended activities and spend much of the day playing and interacting with peers.
• Little to no formal instruction – The teacher steps back. Learners take the lead, and the teacher observes, scaffolds, and supports as needed. In play based learning, the child has agency over what and how they explore. (See: Science and Storytelling)
• Open-ended play and materials – Instead of assigning specific tasks, teachers offer materials that encourage learners to explore, test ideas, and solve problems on their own.
• Focus on peer interactions – Learners collaborate to reach solutions together. This helps little ones develop social skills such as turn taking, collaboration, empathy, and self-regulation.
• Acknowledge context – Pretend play is encouraged. Imaginary scenarios help learners make sense of real-world problems in creative, meaningful ways.

This kind of classroom allows learners to explore ideas at their own pace. They ask questions, test solutions, and make discoveries—all through play.

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of play-based learning:

Pros:

• Encourages creativity, imagination, and curiosity
• Helps learners build social and emotional skills through play
• Follows the learner’s interests and natural motivation

Cons:

• Can feel a little unpredictable for learners who prefer structure
• Progress is harder to measure with traditional academic tools
• Requires teachers to be flexible and ready to follow the learner’s lead

Montessori vs Play-Based: Key Differences

Montessori vs play based learning are both centered on the learner—but they create very different classroom experiences. It’s not always easy to tell them apart at first glance, especially since they both use hands-on materials and give learners some choice. But how those choices are structured—and how much freedom learners really have—looks very different in each setting.

Montessori Programs

• Learners make choices—but from a limited set of teacher-prepared activities. The day is structured, and choices happen within that structure.
• Decentralized learning environments – Teachers don’t usually stand at the front of the class. Instead, the day is structured around hands-on tasks and stations.
• Concrete materials – Learners work with puzzles, tools, and manipulatives to build real-world understanding.
• Early introduction to academic concepts – Many Montessori materials introduce math, language, and science early—but always in a hands-on, self-paced way.
• Limited pretend play – Pretend scenarios aren’t a core part of the day. Materials are designed to teach specific real-world skills.
• Task-oriented learning – Activities come with clear steps. The teacher expects learners to complete each one with a goal in mind.

Play-Based Programs

• Decentralized learning environments (similar to Montessori) – Learners move freely, choose their own activities, and work at different areas or stations.
• Unstructured time – Children spend much of the day choosing open-ended activities and playing with peers.
• Little to no formal instruction – Learners take the lead. Teachers observe and guide only when needed.
• Open-ended play and materials – Teachers provide materials that encourage learners to explore and solve problems in their own way.
• Focus on peer interactions – Learners often work in groups and build social-emotional skills through shared play.
• Acknowledge context – Imaginative play introduces real-world ideas in ways that feel natural and meaningful.

Side-by-Side: Montessori vs Play-Based

Some learners feel confident and focused in more structured settings. Others need room to play, imagine, and explore with peers. Montessori vs play based isn’t about which one is better overall—it’s about finding what works best for the learner.

Which Is Right for Your Child?

When it comes to choosing between Montessori vs play based learning, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best fit depends on your child’s personality, your goals, and what kind of learning environment feels right.

Some learners feel most comfortable in a calm, structured setting with clear expectations. If they enjoy working independently, like routine, and prefer quiet focus, Montessori learning might be a great fit.

Other learners are at their best when they can move, imagine, and collaborate. If your child is drawn to storytelling, group play, and hands-on exploration, a play based learning approach may be more supportive of how they grow and think.

If you're unsure, one of the best things you can do is visit classrooms. Watch how the teachers interact with learners. Notice how the environment feels. Does the rhythm of the day seem like something your child would enjoy?

Both approaches offer real value—and both center the learner in meaningful ways. It’s not about picking the “right” method. It’s about picking the right environment for this learner at this stage.