A municipality in northern Italy called Reggio Emilia has developed a reputation for its incredible preschools that influence other programs worldwide, often termed Reggio-Inspired schools, to embrace children’s innate interests and capabilities. These Italian schools serve as a model for early education and the reason why you may be wondering what is a Reggio school?

The History and Origins of Reggio Schools

In 1940, an educator named Loris Malaguzzi and his peers conceived the idea of early educational programs in Reggio Emilia that would spark change by shifting the limited/biased image adults had of children as incapable and lesser minded to the image of children as young humans with great capabilities and  thinking that was much deeper than adults who weren’t observing well could see. Instead of top-down, adult-driven education, these programs facilitate child-centered, self-directed, experiential, and relationship-oriented learning. Now there are more than 34 countries with schools influenced by the Reggio Emilia approach.

Understanding the Reggio Emilia Approach

It may seem difficult to grasp what exactly children learn in preschools that are inspired by Reggio, it is not a program that comes in a box or instructions, it is the opposite in fact, but with these three principles in mind parents can see what principles a Reggio school is based on.

Reggio Schools and Their Philosophy

The notion of 100 Languages is a major source of inspiration for children, parents, and educators. The theory behind the 100 Languages is that infants and children are born capable of expressing themselves and producing knowledge through a variety of increasing languages, including speech, sound, movement, art, music, construction, numbers, light and shadow, and many other modes of discovery.

The Core Principles of the Reggio Educational Philosophy

Core principles of the Reggio philosophy include:

• Child centered: at the heart of this philosophy, children are seen as independent, curious, competent, and capable of constructing their own learning. Students are the creators of their own growth and development.
• Emergent curriculum: The curriculum is not pre-set, rather, it develops from the children’s interests and ideas. Teachers plan activities and projects that reflect their interests and questions.
• Documenting learning: The Atelier, also known as the creative studio, is at the heart of all learning. Documenting learning encourages further learning.
• Facilitated teaching: The teacher is a collaborator and a co-learner with the students in the classroom.
• Project based approach: Learning in the Reggio approach often happens through projects. These projects are in-depth studies of concepts, ideas, and interests that come from the group of children. This fosters a collaborative approach where students learn to work together, support one another and collaborate.

Although many programs are embracing the philosophies of Reggio Emilia Schools as a fresh approach to playful learning and early childhood education, what’s essential to know is that no two Reggio-inspired schools are alike, nor should they be!

The Reggio Classroom Environment

The Role of the Environment as the Third Teacher

Additionally, the Reggio Approach argues that the “Environment Serves As The Third Teacher”. This suggests that the educational environment is crucial for children. Reggio Emilia schools are renowned for their rich, artistic spaces that lack a store-bought, mechanical feel and instead create an inspirational mood with sensory elements that make light, nature, repurposed materials, and art the environment’s metaphorical center pieces.

How Reggio Classrooms Foster Creativity and Exploration

Reggio programs focus on finding the individual interests and likes of each child. By focusing on creating a nurturing environment, each child can be comfortable enough to explore widely, express themselves, and develop holistically. As a way to tap into each child’s expression, the programs use arts, such as crafts, drawing, painting, sculpture, and drama. To further help create an inspiring environment, the room is designed to encourage exploration and discovery by way of the materials used and the layout of the area.

The Reggio Curriculum and Child-Led Learning

A third fundamental concept is that knowledge at its best is collaborative, always being built, and relational.

Reggio educators encourage a diversity of perspectives.  When a question is raised, they consider all kinds of theories and explanations of the children factual to imaginative. They ask children open-ended inquiries or suggestions such as “Tell me more” rather than “What did you make?” When a kid encounters a difficulty or desires to accomplish something, they invite other children to assist, so establishing a pattern of peer-to-peer growth. They do so on the grounds that they believe knowledge does not come from a single source and is not fixed. Rather than that, quality knowledge and ideas are gained via a variety of perspectives, collaborative learning, and persistent questioning.

Teachers and Parents as Partners in Reggio Schools

How are parents involved? Parents are seen as partners in the educational process. As the development of the child under the Reggio program is based on their interests, expression and self-led, it’s important that parents foster these notions at home.

Assessing Child Development in Reggio Schools

To see progress, the child’s learning is documented through photographs, videos, written observations and children’s work. This documentation is used for reflection with the child, assessment, and communication with parents. Teachers monitor each child’s interactions, their ability to problem-solve and collaborate as well as how they express themselves creatively. Teachers also pay attention to social skills, empathy building and emotional intelligence.

The Lasting Benefits of a Reggio Emilia-Inspired Education

A Reggio-inspired school is created and fostered primarily on the children’s particular interests. Each program offers unique experiences that are built on the childcare’s culture and community. Children become self-driven, active and hands-on learners.

To help with learning how each program is influenced by Reggio Emilia, parents may search options to locate a Reggio school near them and discover more about their offerings and characteristics.