Thread: Reggio Emilia
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joy 08:36 PM 10-31-2011
I have studied in an ECE graduate program the Reggio approach.
"We envision a world where all children are honored and respected for their potential, their capabilities, and their humanity." This comes from the NAREA website. The focus is on the child. The environment is considered the "3rd teacher. This means that it has an enormous impact on the learning that takes place. Walls should be pale, soft pastels, plain, no commercially purchased charts, things are handmade by children, teachers and parents. The community and the parents are involved in the education of the children. Children do not come to school as empty vessels for teachers to fill with facts, but are viewed as capable, able to build theories and competent learners. Teachers work alongside the children. Interest areas are intended to address the various intelligences of the childen.

Representational Development is used to integrate the graphic arts to measure linguistic, cognitive and social develpment. Photos are displayed, with documentation of the conversations that take place as the children explore. Reggio uses an Emergent Curriculum, which is based on the interests of the childen. Project work is part of the emergent curriculum and teachers research the topics that interest the children, meet to discuss materials needed for the project, what direction the project may take, decide to include parents or members of the community, and the project may last a week or an entire year.

Collaboration is an important concept as children work in groups to promote group membership. Teachers also show that each child is unique and respected.

Materials are not plastic, wood and natural materials are used in the clasroom. Aesthetics are stressed and recycled materials are plentiful. There is an assortmet of high quality paintbruses, markers, and.colored pencils. Art is open ended, easels are always available, and children are encouraged to use their creativity rather than create art that is directed by the teacher.

The child is seen as a miracle, unlike any other, and the classroom is a beautiful learning space, furniture is arranged systematically, plants, (check for non-toxic) and the beauty of nature exists inside the class and appreciated outdoors. Children climb trees, smell flowers, study leaves, collect rocks, and learn to love nature. Reggio inspired classrooms, inspired is used for schools outside of Italy, listen to each child's melody.

Trainings are avaiable, and certainly, visiting Reggio Emilia is a true way to see the program. There are centers throughout the world. I beleve it is a program worth exploring.
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