The Reggio Emilia Approach

🌱 Core Philosophy

• Children are capable, curious, creative, and full of potential.
• Learning should be child-led, exploratory, and collaborative.
• The environment, teachers, and families all play crucial roles in a child’s development.

📌 Key Principles

1. The Image of the Child

• Children are seen as competent, capable, and full of potential.
• They are not passive recipients of knowledge but active constructors of their own learning.

2. Emergent Curriculum

• Curriculum emerges from the interests of the children, not from a fixed, pre-planned syllabus.
• Teachers observe, listen, and document children's play and dialogue to guide planning.
• Projects may last days, weeks, or even months, depending on the depth of children’s interest.

3. Project-Based Learning

• Children engage in in-depth investigations of real-world topics that interest them.
• Projects are collaborative, interdisciplinary, and include research, discussion, art, and experimentation.

4. The Environment as the Third Teacher

• Classrooms are designed to be inviting, inspiring, and reflective of children's learning.
• Use of natural light, open space, mirrors, materials, and displays of children's work.
• The environment promotes independence, collaboration, and communication.

5. The Hundred Languages of Children

• Children express themselves in many ways—not just words.
• Includes drawing, painting, sculpting, dramatic play, music, movement, and more.
• The arts are integrated into all areas of learning.

6. Collaboration and Relationships

• Learning is social—children, teachers, and families work together.
• Emphasis on group work, communication, and conflict resolution.
• Teachers facilitate interactions that build empathy and problem-solving.

7. Role of the Teacher (Co-Learner and Researcher)

• Teachers are guides, collaborators, and researchers—not traditional instructors.
• They document children’s work and reflect on practices to adjust for children’s needs.

8. Documentation of Learning

• Teachers document children’s thoughts, discussions, and creations using photos, quotes, and journals.
• Documentation provides a visible trail of learning for children and families.
• Encourages reflection and celebrates learning.

9. Parental Involvement

• Parents are partners in education and regularly participate in classroom activities.
• Open communication and meetings are encouraged.
• The school is a community where educators and families share responsibility.

🧰 Typical Materials & Practices

• Loose parts (recycled items, natural materials)
• Ateliers (Art Studios) and Atelieristas (Studio Teachers)
• Daily group meetings (Morning Circle)
• Reflective portfolios and project books
• Nature walks and community exploration
• Mixed-age groups (in some programs)

📚 Benefits of the Reggio Emilia Approach

• Encourages creativity and critical thinking
• Fosters communication and collaboration
• Builds confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving skills
• Creates a strong sense of community and empathy
• Promotes deep learning through long-term inquiry

🏫 Where It’s Used

Though rooted in Italy, Reggio Emilia has inspired thousands of schools worldwide, especially preschools and early childhood centers. Many adapt its principles to suit local cultural and educational contexts.