Reggio Emilia Early Years Education – Everything You Need to Know
The Reggio Emilia approach is a pedagogical philosophy that originated in the town of Reggio Emilia, Italy, after World War II. Here is everything you need to know about this approach:
1. Child-Centered Approach: The Reggio Emilia approach is centered around the child and their interests, needs, and abilities. Teachers act as facilitators who support the child’s learning process.
2. Collaboration: Collaboration between the child, teacher, and parents is emphasized. Parents are seen as active partners in their child’s education.
3. Respect for the Child: The Reggio Emilia approach values the child’s voice, ideas, and opinions, and encourages them to be active participants in their learning.
4. Learning Through Play: Play is seen as a crucial aspect of learning, and is integrated into the curriculum. Children are allowed to explore and experiment with materials and ideas.
5. Emergent Curriculum: The curriculum is not predetermined, but rather emerges from the interests and experiences of the children. Teachers observe and document the child’s learning process to better understand their interests and abilities and to guide their learning.
6. Environment as the Third Teacher: The physical environment is seen as a key component in the learning process. The classroom is designed to be open, inviting, and flexible, with natural materials and resources that encourage exploration and creativity.
7. Inquiry-Based Learning: The Reggio Emilia approach emphasizes inquiry-based learning, where children are encouraged to ask questions, investigate, and discover answers on their own.
8. Focus on the Arts: The arts are seen as a valuable tool for learning and are integrated into the curriculum. Children are given opportunities to express themselves through music, movement, visual arts, and drama.
Overall, the Reggio Emilia approach is a child-centered, collaborative, and creative approach to early years education that values the child’s voice, ideas, and abilities.
