The Reggio Approach to Early Childhood Education This approach derives its name from its place of origin, Reggio Emilia, a city in Northern Italy.
Shortly after the Second World War, Loris Malaguzzi, a young teacher and the founder of the Reggio Approach, joined forces with the parents of this region To provide child care for the children in their war torn country.
Originally inspired by the need of women to return to the work force,
Over the last 50 years, this education system has developed into a unique program that has caught the attention of early childhood educators worldwide.
A powerful image of the child
Children are born capable of learning, storing, and organizing information on
Their own. They are competent in communicating with many modalities and media known as
“The hundred languages of children”.
The curriculum is fluid, emergent, dynamic and unique. It stems from the child’s own interests and curiosities.
The child is a researcher trying to answer the questions of life.
Children learn art and documentation techniques that give them tools to express their ideas.
The role of the teacher
The Reggio teacher is a keen observer, documenter, and partner in the learning process.
The teacher allows the children to: ask their own questions generate their own hypotheses test their hypotheses and share what they’ve learned.
Documentaion plays an intrical part in children’s learning.
Children revisit their ideas and get new perspective.
A teacher works on projects with a small group of children while the rest of the classroom continues to involve itself in other self-selected cativities and explorations.
The environment as the third teacher
The school combines a laboratory and art studio in one for developing and valuing the research process of the child.
The classroom is designed to be aesthetically pleasing to the children.
Teachers take great care to keep it organized and attractive.
Natural lighting from large windows and open spaces give the environment a relaxed feel.
Collaboration is highly valued.
Families are also central to the child’s learning.
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