Reggio Emilia Approach is NOT ALLOWED in Licensed Home Daycare in My County
I just called and asked a licensing specialist about incorporating the Reggio Emilia Approach into my daycare and was told that if I use the small things they suggest such as stones, rocks, dried beans (to scoop from one bowl to the other), sea shells, etc., I will be written up as having potentially dangerous items around the children. I told her that Reggio Emilia is supposed to be a very good program to use and she said she didn't care. If the children have access to anything that is bigger than the opening to a paper towel holder, I will be written up. She said the Reggio Emilia Approach needs to be used for school agers, not younger children due to the potential choking hazards.
I knew I wasn't going to be able to use those little items. I can, however, use the Reggio Emilia Approach if I use bigger items than they typically do and no glass or anything that they might more likely be able to be hurt by. |
I think you can easily incorporate Reggio theories with infants and toddlers. You really need to spend very little to do so, many items are free if you are willing to do some leg work:
Nature: pine cones rocks in various sizes tree cookies (find some decent size branches and have sliced into thin and/or thick slices) leaves (this could be sensory play or they can be laminated and hung for viewing or used for rubbings, etc) pine tree branches thick branches tree bark chunks driftwood Paper Gift wrap (think different designs, not characters, etc) wax paper mylar paper foil parchment Fabric old curtains burlap old clothing cut up (denim, corduroy, silk/satin, socks with feet cut off, etc.) call a local seamstress or fabric shop and ask for remnants Home Depot , carpentry or building supply stores Carpet samples wallpaper sample books paint card samples wood scraps ceramic tile samples pvc pipe scraps Butcher Cardboard tubes from butcher paper rolls Local newspaper end rolls of newsprint Winery or local bar corks boxes from wine bottles other stuff from Around the house caps from old markers milk bottle caps clothespins plastic cups for stacking drink coasters The possibilities are endless. I suggest sitting down with pen and paper and brainstorming ideas for loose parts. Then start collecting! |
Also, keep in mind the importance of sensory based experiences and art:
Water play - add measuring cups, strainers, sifters, turkey basters, etc Make mud Leaves and nature based items Goop made from cornstarch and water Sensory bottles: use empty water bottles, add water and glitter or beads, etc. glue cap on. Herbs and spices on a cutting board with large stones for grinding (can later be used in art activities) Old wind chimes Cut crepe paper in to long strips and provide while playing music ART: CLAY, not playdough. This can be purchased at local college bookstores for around $11 for a 25 pound bag Paint - lots of paint You can make fingerpaint out of cornstarch, boiling water and either food coloring or left over tempura paint mixed in Glue - add food coloring for use as paint or offer collage supplies and heavy cardboard Ample drawing materials - pencils, pens, markers, oil pastels, crayons and lots of paper |
The environment:
VERY organized, clean and safe Ample natural lighting - if not possible, plenty of other lighting Mirrors Baskets Clear containers Soft, cozy areas Areas for getting away from it all - even a sheer curtain over a table with a pillow and basket of books underneath will do |
The role of the teacher:
Consistent supervision Ask open-ended questions while children explore to encourage creativity and critical thinking Be open-minded and flexible. Don't adhere to a set project, allow children to change the direction of play based on their interest |
Thanks, those are good items that are bigger, child proof items. I couldn't use the smaller items like wine corks or marker tops, though. But most of the things you listed are big enough that I won't get written up for them.
I don't get it though. Because I can use the little plastic counting bears and other plastic, non-baby proof items. But I keep them stored in the other room. I might just call the specialist back and discuss that fact. I wonder if I keep all the smaller items in another room and just bring them out one at a time when I am supervising them with that particular item, if I would then be allowed to use the smaller items. |
I store smaller items on higher shelves for older children and larger items on lower shelves.
And I am calling BS on your assessor......she sounds like she hasn't a clue about Reggio |
Originally Posted by CoachingForQualityImprovement: Originally Posted by CoachingForQualityImprovement: Originally Posted by CoachingForQualityImprovement: My friend runs a Montessori program for 3-6 year olds (mostly 3's and 4's). She has had to argue with her licenser about her workbench. It has real (small) hammers and nails. Because she could show not only the pedagogy behind it but also her formal training, they let her keep it. :) |
Originally Posted by Heidi: BTW....this is Crystal. How ya doing Heidi? :hug: |
Keep an eye on craigslist for a free or cheap overhead projector. This can be used as a light table, to cast shadows of materials you place and then children can draw what they see, etc.
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Originally Posted by CoachingForQualityImprovement: |
Also, if you want to read up on Reggio, although the Hundred Languages of Children is a fabulous book, I suggest starting with a less boring read so you do not discouraged. Some books I recommend:
First Steps Towards Teaching The Reggio Way Infants and Toddlers At Work We Are All Explorers Designs For Living and Learning Learning Together With Young Children Emergent Curriculum In Early Childhood Settings My Personal new favorite is a book recently written by college faculty, my program is featured throughout the book and details several years of my work with children and families. All of the photos and stories in the book are from my program Early Learning Theories Made Visible by Miriam Beglovsky and Lisa Daly They also just released an additional book Loose Parts both are available on Amazon |
Thank you for the great ideas! I really like what I have seen through my research on Reggio Emilia because it's a more calm setting using more natural and realistic items and the kids activities seem like they would be much more interesting for the children than just playing with the regular plastic toys. I finally got the book, The 100 Languages of Children from the library and quickly read through it. I will actually read it over the next couple of weeks.
But, when I watch videos online and the couple of pictures I see in the books, they are using smaller, non-baby proof parts. Someone on here did say I could just use bigger parts. Thank you for your suggestions of bigger items that I can use. |
Thank you for the list of books! In my research, I did see some of them. But I have been hearing about The 100 Languages of Children so much that I started with that one. I'll look into the others you mentioned.
I'm sitting here printing all your ideas out!:D It might take me some time, but I am going to work on the ideas you are giving me! Thank you! |
My Pleasure :)
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I would also add...don't get too hung up on the "stuff." I think when people encounter new philosophies, the stuff is what they see first, and so they think it is the philosophy. Teachers in Reggio Emilia would not tell you that any of that stuff is necessary. They would emphasize that the stuff you use should reflect your group, your community, your culture. Reggio is far more about a mindset than a collection of materials.
Children are competent. Children have rights. Children express what they know through 100 languages (and a hundred hundred more). That's far more important than stuff. Start with documenting what your kids are doing, and extending it with open-ended materials that support what they're doing, and you'll get much closer to the heart of Reggio inspiration than you would by including all the stuff pinterest tells you is essential to Reggio. (And fight your licensor on the disparity between plastic counters and corks. Absurd. She's got some pre-conceived notion of what Reggio is without a real understanding.) |
it is funny because I have beans and little hearts in my sensory table right now with measuring cups, glass jars, and funnels. I have been really watching my 17 month old and she has been fine with all of it. Nothing has gone in her mouth! I keep it in the kitchen and am present with it. Now I have had other 2 yr olds that I couldn't trust not to have it in their mouth!
Now paint, every time she has to taste it! I think it really depends on the child. |
it takes a while to really get what really works
Originally Posted by nothingwithoutjoy: |
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