Overview of Reggio Emilia
The Reggio Emilia approach or method is one of many educational philosophies—and one of the more popular ones among parents and early learning providers. What makes the Reggio Emilia approach different from other philosophies is that it gives children the ability to advocate for themselves and their best learning style.
Founded by Loris Malaguzzi in northern Italy, Reggio Emilia recognizes that every child learns differently. And that what may be most effective for one child can be completely different for the next. Reggio Emilia is less structured and predetermined than other methods. Therefore, it allows a child to observe, participate, and reflect—enriching them to be active participants in their learning. A huge component of the Reggio Emilia method is that it can be play-based and allow for self-discovery in real-time. It lends itself to a child’s brain soaking up and adapting to an ever-changing environment.
Three Beliefs
The Reggio Emilia approach is based on the following three beliefs:
- Children are capable of directing their own learning.
- Children are natural collaborators with the world around them.
- Children are instinctively good communicators and should be able to express themselves through the medium of their choice. This can be verbally, musically, artistically, mathematically, or other expressions.
The Role of Adults
Using the Reggio Emilia approach, the role of the parent, childcare provider, or teacher is one of a partner rather than a facilitator. For instance, it is encouraged that the adult learns alongside the child and serves as a friend engaged in the experience instead of an authoritative and structured facilitator. However, as an adult, you can observe, reflect, and encourage ways the child can build upon and expand on what they are learning. This can lead to learning, development, and fun!
The Third Teacher
The Reggio Emilia philosophy values the role of the environment as the third teacher. The classroom environment should be flexible to respond to the needs of teachers and children to learn together. Design elements can help shape a children’s identity as a contributor in their own learning, as well as foster creativity, independence, and imagination. Design elements may include open spaces to promote dance and play, flexible seating to allow for collaboration and different types of learning, and windows at children’s eye level so they can see changing weather.
Conclusion
The basic fundamentals of the Reggio Emilia approach are that children are innately curious and can navigate their own learning. If children are given the space to be themselves, have interests, play, question, and explore, then they will foster steadfast independence and creative thinking skills. These skills will enable them for a lifetime of learning and problem-solving.
In essence, the Reggio Emilia method helps children grow across a range of developmental domains—including cognitive, social-emotional, and behavioral development. When a child truly enjoys learning and has the confidence to seek out opportunities, they also become collaborators in their communities fostering social-skills and a greater sense of purpose.
