The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy which values the child as strong, capable, and resilient, rich with wonder and knowledge. Founded by Loris Malaguzzi in Reggio Emilia, Italy, this approach begins with a particular and strong image of children, of adults, of education, and of life, and flows from a set of fundamental principles:
- Children are strong, rich and capable
- Education has to focus on the child in relation to other children, the family, the teachers, and the community rather than on each child in isolation.
- Children have the right to use many materials in order to discover and communicate what they know, understand, wonder about, question, feel and imagine.
- The environment is a third teacher. The design and use of a space encourage encounters, communication and relationships.
- Teachers are partners, nurturers and guides. They facilitate children's explorations, listen and observe children closely and provide ocassions for discovery and learning.
- Teachers are researchers. Teachers work together to engage in continuous discussion and interpretation of their work and the work of children.
- Documentation as communication.
- Parents as partners.
Click below to learn more about the Reggio Philosophy.
