The Reggio Emilia Approach in a Nutshell

A: It is learning philosophy which has its roots in Italy.  After the end of the second world war, a group of parents decided they wanted an alternative education style and worked together under the guidance of the founder, Loris Malaguzzi, to develop a new educational approach, which sees children as capable of constructing their own learning.

A: Loris Malaguzzi, who penned a poem ‘The 100 Languages of Children’ in which he acknowledged the ‘infinite ways that children can express, explore, and connect their thoughts, feelings and imaginings’. The poem illustrates the myriad of methods and mediums that children seek out in order to express their ideas, theories, thoughts, feelings, frustrations, discoveries, understanding and knowledge.

A: The Reggio Emilia Approach, establishes a culture of respect, and children learn to share their ideas, reflections and daily experiences through collaboration.  In this way, they can negotiate, learn to problem-solve, communicate, develop critical thinking skills, all of which help prepare children for the future.  The role of adults and the importance of community are also key to a child’s engaged learning, as well as the role of the environment.

A: Yes – relationships are the key – educators within the Reggio inspired philosophy encourage children to be active learners and engage in every stage of their learning.  They believe children are capable of constructing their own learning, and help develop a project according to their interests. To be confident, children need to be comfortable about sharing their own knowledge, as well as having the ability to think for themselves.    A child’s view of themselves is largely shaped by their interactions and experiences with peers around them. Parents, teachers and friends in a child’s life play a vital role in developing their self-esteem and confidence.

A: Every child has infinite potential to discover, to learn and to communicate. Children do this in many different ways including drawing, playing, painting, writing, sculpting, construction, dance, music, movement, role playing, drama – even reasoning, listening, laughing, crying, and loving. The possibilities are endless and joyful, making the learning process more memorable yet fun.

A: Yes – most definitely!  We want children to be creative, as that’s what makes us unique.  We need to continue to innovate, sharing new ideas and thinking out of the box,  aspects which are increasingly important in the workplace of the future.   Children have a natural curiosity to learn and find out more and through hands-on processes, and children not only learn about the real world issues, which are important to them.

A: Within the Reggio Emilia approach, we use “100 languages” enabling many different ways for children to express themselves, such as music and moment, nature or sensory play, drama play, cooking and so much more.

A: The role of the environment is important within the Reggio Emilia inspired approach.  A child’s immediate environment becomes their playground and what is referred to as “the third teacher”.  Early childhood settings, either at home or at school are thoughtfully planned and designed to promote inquiry and curiosity.  We wish to pique children’s interest to learn, all the time.