Start school early (2-3)

Start school late (5-6)

Multi-age classroom

Single-age classroom

Freedom to move around room

Seated at desks

Family atmosphere

Little socialization

Individual lessons and small group lessons

Large group lessons

Learn by using all five senses

Learn by listening, watching, reading

Long, free work periods

Planned activities

Enhanced curriculum

Grade-level curriculum

Student progress and mastery of concepts

Peer comparisons as test

Observation-based progress report

Graded report cards

Progress at individual rate

Annual promotion

Natural & logical consequences

Rewards & punishments

Peace in education

Punishment

Emphasis on learning

Emphasis on grades

Emphasis on individuality

Emphasis on conformity

Freedom within limits

Controlling environment

Child-centered schedule & environment

Teacher-centered schedule and environment

Children complete work

Children interrupted by teacheror end of period

Children learn by doing

Teacher lectures

Self-correcting materials

Teacher as source of answers

Children choose their materials

Teacher chooses curriculum

Children set own pace

Teacher sets pace for the entire class

Children work out of joy and curiosity

Teacher tells children to work

Self-motivation

Teacher motivates children

Children stimulated by curiosityand love of learning

Teacher stimulates children to learn

Children free to work independently

Teacher guides children

Children help each other

Teacher helps children

Emphasis on self-controland self-discipline

Teacher as disciplinarian