Approach
What does it mean to be Reggio-Inspired?
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In Italy this approach is integrated into the fabric of the local government, community and its people, it cannot be exactly replicated in the United States. To be “Reggio-Inspired” is to adopt the core values and beliefs of this approach to educating young children.
Image of the Child
At the heart of the Reggio Emilia Approach is the powerful image of the child. The Reggio philosophy sees children as full of potential, competent, curious, and capable of long-term sustained learning when it is a topic in which they are interested.
Role of the Teacher
The role of a teacher is to listen, observe, document the children’s work, ask questions, explore their ideas, and identify their interests. The teacher should provide experiences that provoke children’s curiosity and learning from this information. Reggio Emilia-inspired teachers also support children by nurturing and encouraging strong relationships with parents.
Emergent Curriculum
Teachers observe and document the interactions, discussions, and fascinations of children. The curriculum “emerges” from children’s interests and ideas by developing learning opportunities from these observations.
Project Work
Project work allows children to discover and explore an area of interest in detail for short or extended periods. Teachers introduce a broad range of opportunities, from art to music to early language, math, science, and nature experiences, in support of the project.
By exploring projects of the children’s interest in great detail, children are excited by the learning experiences. This enthusiasm for knowledge and the ability to experience project work in detail will foster a predisposition for “life-long” learning.
Parent and Community Involvement
Parents are vital to teaching their children and are active partners in their child’s learning by providing their unique skills and knowledge. By participating in school life, parents will help their children learn. We treat our parents as responsible partners with every right to participate in their children’s learning experience.
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Relationships in the community also play an essential role in children’s education. They present unique knowledge of various cultures, special talents, intergenerational relationships, and a sense of belonging in a larger group.
Environment
The Reggio Emilia belief is that the environment is the third teacher in a child’s learning. Children need to be in beautiful, open, orderly spaces where materials in the space have a purpose. Each learning space should stimulate exploration, engagement, discovery, curiosity, and a sense of wonder. The Reggio Emilia philosophy emphasizes nature, incorporating elements of nature into the classroom. The outside environment is as important as the classroom. Children are encouraged to use natural items in their projects and to develop a relationship with their world.
