Reggio Emilia Philosophy
Philosophy &
Approach
The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy focusing on preschool and primary education. It was created after WWII by a teacher in Reggio Emilia, Italy, which is where the approach gets its name. After the war, educators and families believed that children needed new ways of learning, to cultivate young minds as an investment in the future. The Reggio Emilia approach was developed to help children learn in this new framework.
The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy based on the image of a child with strong potentialities for development and a subject with rights, who learns through the hundred languages — a child-led learning approach belonging to all human beings, and grows in relations with others.
The Philosophy
Under the Reggio Emilia approach, children are viewed as active, capable and valuable members of the community. They are encouraged to explore, question, and interpret the world during the first five years of life, as creating a solid foundation of experiences during these early years helps each child reach their full potential. Educators using the Reggio Emilia approach believe that children should have some control over their learning. Children have many languages in art, music, and drama, and they should be encouraged to learn through experiences like listening, moving, touching and observing.
The Teachers
Using a self-guided curriculum, children are allowed to express themselves in different ways as they develop their personality. Activities such as painting, drawing, sculpting, and drama are encouraged, as these are all seen as “languages” children use. By allowing children to engage in meaningful learning experiences, the Reggio Emilia approach helps to instil a love of learning, enhances early education and prepares children for the transition into school.
Parents and
the Community
The Reggio Emilia approach believes that parents and the wider community have collective responsibility of children. It is an inclusive, village-style approach that engages children, parents and the community as all being essential components to the learning process. Parents are seen as partners; as the first teacher for the child before they enter the education system. Reggio Emilia schools facilitate constant communication between teachers and families, and parents are encouraged to volunteer to help in the classroom and incorporate Reggio Emilia principles at home.
The Importance
of the Environment
The environment is an essential part of the Reggio Emilia approach. The belief is that if children are placed in a beautiful environment, with stimulating materials to work with, they will be motivated to explore and respect the environment. Indoor spaces at Reggio Emilia schools will normally be nature-inspired, designed with plenty of indoor plants, vines and natural light to engage the viewer. Classrooms may feature several mirrors, doors, windows or courtyards to create a sense of space and assurance. An open piazza or central common area is often attached to an open plan kitchen, while student artwork is showcased in galleries throughout the school.
