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Reggio Emilia Approach®

 
Collaborative, Child-Centered Education

An innovative educational philosophy that sees each individual child as strong, capable and resilient beings filled with wonder and knowledge.

The Reggio Emilia Approach® is a child-centered approach originating from Reggio Emilia, Italy. It is based around the philosophy that young children are curious about the world around them and have the powerful potential to construct their own knowledge – learning from all that surrounds them.

Guiding Principles of Reggio Emilia

01

Learning is based upon your child's unique interests

Children are main initiators of their educational journey and should be treated as active collaborators in the learning process. Education should cater to each individual child and reflect their unique level of abilities and experiences.

02

Adults are co-learners and collaborators

Instead of directing children through the learning process, teachers and parents act more as collaborators. The role of the adult is to listen, observe, engage when invited, document and encourage children in whatever it is they are interested in doing.

03

The environment is known as the “third teacher”

Classroom environments are recognized for their potential to inspire children. They play a crucial role in the learning process by guiding curiosity, stimulating the imagination, and encouraging children to become critical thinkers / problem solvers.

04

Each child’s learning progress is well documented

There is an emphasis on visually displaying and documenting children’s thoughts and progression of thinking. By making their learning visible through photographs, direct transcriptions of children’s thoughts and explanations, visual representations (drawings, sculptures etc.), teachers are able to identify strengths, recognize and value a child’s effort, and refine the curriculum accordingly.

05

Children have 100 languages

Young children have many ways of thinking, learning and expressing themselves and each one of these “languages” should be celebrated, nurtured and developed.

“

In Reggio Emilia preschools, each child is viewed as infinitely capable, creative and intelligent. The job of the teacher is to support these qualities and to challenge children in appropriate ways.

Loise Boyd CadwellAuthor of Bringing Reggio Emilia Home