The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy that focuses on each child’s natural development, emphasizing that learning must make sense to the student in order to be effective and meaningful. In Reggio-inspired schools, many different points of view are valued and respected, including the points of view of the individual child, the teachers, and the parents. Learning is a dynamic and experiential process that occurs through many interactions among the children, the adults, the environment, and materials available in the school.
The Reggio Emilia philosophy is based upon the following principles:
- Each child is viewed as a competent protagonist and initiator, full of potential and capable of creating meaning.
- Children are capable collaborators and learning occurs within social groups.
- Children communicate through many materials, often referred to as the “100 Languages of Children.” The senses play a big role in the learning process — children must be able to touch, move, listen, see and hear in order to fully process something;
- Parents are active participants in their child’s learning, and families have a meaningful sense of belonging in the school setting.
- The environment is the third teacher, and it is carefully considered for its learning potential. The parent and the classroom teacher are considered the “first” and “second” teachers.
