Reggio Emilia Approach

The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy developed in Reggio Emilia, Italy, after World War II, emphasizing child-centered, experiential learning for young children. This approach is rooted in respect for children as capable, competent, and curious individuals with a strong focus on community, collaboration, and the environment as a “third teacher.”

1. Key Principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach

The Reggio Emilia Approach is founded on several core principles that shape both the learning environment and teaching strategies:

• Emergent Curriculum: The curriculum is based on children’s interests, emerging from observations of their conversations, play, and inquiries. Teachers adapt and design projects that resonate with children’s natural curiosities.

• Project-Based Learning: Children explore topics in depth through hands-on, collaborative projects, often lasting several weeks or months. Projects encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and active exploration.

• The Hundred Languages of Children: This concept embraces the idea that children express themselves in “a hundred languages” — through art, music, movement, writing, storytelling, and other forms of communication.

• The Role of the Environment as the “Third Teacher”: The learning space is thoughtfully designed to be engaging, welcoming, and reflective of the children’s lives. Natural light, open spaces, and accessible materials create an inviting environment that encourages exploration and independence.

• Documentation and Reflection: Teachers observe, document, and display children’s learning processes through photographs, transcripts, and children’s work, which promotes reflection and makes learning visible to children, parents, and educators.

• The Role of the Teacher as a Co-Learner and Guide: Teachers act as facilitators rather than instructors, collaborating with children, asking open-ended questions, and supporting children’s discoveries.

• Parental Involvement: Parents are considered essential partners in their child’s education. The approach fosters a strong community by involving families in classroom activities and school projects.

2. The Learning Process in Reggio Emilia

The Reggio Emilia Approach is highly inquiry-based and focuses on projects or “progettazione,” which means designing and planning around children’s ideas and interests. Here’s a breakdown of the learning process:

1. Observation and Planning: Teachers observe children’s play, interactions, and ideas, and then plan learning activities based on observed interests. This ongoing observation shapes the direction of the curriculum.

2. Project Exploration: Children work on projects that allow them to dive deeply into a topic. For example, a project on “light” could include exploring shadows, reflections, prisms, and photography.

3. Collaboration and Communication: Projects are often group-oriented, encouraging collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Children learn through dialogue, sharing their observations and interpretations.

4. Documentation of Learning: Teachers document the learning journey, which may include photos, written records, drawings, and recordings. This documentation allows teachers to assess children’s progress, revisit ideas, and reflect on the learning process with the children.

5. Reflection and Presentation: Projects culminate in presentations or exhibitions where children can showcase their work, reflect on what they learned, and discuss their insights with others.

3. Role of the Environment in Reggio Emilia

The Reggio Emilia classroom environment is meticulously designed to stimulate curiosity and inspire creativity. Key elements of the environment include:

• Natural Materials and Light: Classrooms use natural elements, such as wood and stone, and maximize natural light to create a calm and aesthetically pleasing environment.

• Open Spaces with Provocations: Spaces are open and flexible, featuring “provocations” — items set up to provoke thought, wonder, and engagement (e.g., mirrors with colored shapes, art materials by a nature display, light tables).

• The Atelier (Art Studio): Many Reggio Emilia classrooms have an atelier, a dedicated space where children experiment with various art materials, such as clay, paint, and recycled materials, to express ideas through “hundred languages.”

• Display of Children’s Work: Children’s work and projects are displayed prominently, showing respect for their efforts and making learning visible to the community.

4. Reggio Emilia Curriculum Content Areas

Rather than focusing on traditional subjects, the Reggio Emilia Approach integrates various content areas through project-based learning. These areas include:

1. Language and Communication

• Activities in storytelling, drama, poetry, and conversation circles to encourage verbal and non-verbal expression.

2. Art and Creativity (Hundred Languages)

• Art is central in Reggio Emilia, allowing children to communicate through drawing, painting, clay, and other materials. Children explore form, color, and texture to express ideas.

3. Science and Exploration

• Topics such as nature, seasons, plants, animals, and physical phenomena like light and shadow. Children conduct experiments, ask questions, and learn through exploration.

4. Mathematics

• Children engage with mathematical concepts through hands-on materials, such as counting objects, patterning, spatial awareness, measuring, and sorting activities.

5. Social and Emotional Development

• Emphasis on group activities, empathy, collaboration, and respecting others’ ideas. The approach encourages social responsibility and community awareness.

6. Physical Development

• Movement and coordination activities, including dancing, outdoor play, and fine motor activities, which are essential for children’s growth.

5. Role of Teachers in Reggio Emilia

In Reggio Emilia, teachers are seen as co-learners, collaborators, and facilitators rather than traditional instructors. Their role involves:

• Observation and Listening: Teachers observe children closely to understand their interests and questions, using these observations to guide the direction of learning.
• Providing Provocations: They offer materials, questions, and challenges that provoke curiosity and allow children to engage deeply with a topic.
• Encouraging Reflection: Teachers ask open-ended questions, prompting children to think critically and reflect on their experiences.
• Collaborating with Parents: Teachers involve parents in the learning process, building a supportive network around each child.

6. Assessment in Reggio Emilia

In Reggio Emilia, assessment is non-standardized and qualitative, focusing on understanding each child’s learning process, growth, and unique strengths. Methods include:

• Documentation: Photos, transcripts of conversations, artwork, and records of activities. This documentation is displayed and shared, allowing children to reflect on their learning.
• Portfolios: Collections of each child’s work, often organized by the child, to track progress and showcase growth over time.
• Teacher Reflection: Teachers regularly reflect on their observations and documentation to assess each child’s understanding, interests, and development.

7. Benefits of the Reggio Emilia Approach

• Encourages Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Children learn to investigate, hypothesize, and evaluate their ideas.
• Fosters Creativity and Expression: The “hundred languages” encourage children to express themselves in diverse ways.
• Builds Confidence and Independence: Self-directed, hands-on learning helps children become confident and autonomous.
• Develops Collaboration Skills: Group projects and community involvement help children learn teamwork, empathy, and effective communication.
• Promotes Global Awareness: By exploring different cultures, environments, and societal roles, children develop a broader worldview.