The Reggio Approach
Information on Reggio Emilia
The Reggio approach originates from a small historic town in northern Italy and was founded after the second world war, it was the parents and citizens who wanted a better future for their children.
Loris Malaguzzi throughout his life he developed the Reggio approach he guided and supported schools which has made them what they are today. Â In 1963 the local councils took over the responsibility of managing the schools.
The Reggio approach is child lead. And staff have an understanding of each individual child. All children have different interests and therefore no two reggio-inspired nurseries approaches would look the same as the individual needs and interests of the children will be different.
Important Elements of the Reggio Approach
Expressive Arts
Children are encouraged to express themselves though play, such as:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpting
- Dancing
- Music
- Textures
- Construction
- Role play
Expressive arts is all about the learning process not the final projects.
The Environment is the third teacher
Children are encouraged to explore their environment and the natural resources that surround them. The environment is set out so that children have a freedom of choice to explore and develop their independence. Children are encouraged to take lead in their play, learning and development and the child’s voice is valued.
Parents and Partners
The Reggio approach is that there is a strong link and understanding between parents and nursery and other professionals. Parents are encouraged to be involved in their child’s learning and development and have an active role in their child’s play.
Long Term Projects
It is important for children to have time to build on and develop their interests. It is through their interests that children develop a curiosity providing opportunities for developing new skills, knowledge and understanding. Long term projects can last a week or two some can last month’s depending on each individual child.
Documentation
All children’s wow moments and learning is documented, though observations photos and child’s work, photographs of the children and their work is displayed around the nursery environment to demonstrate children learning with in the nursery.
Books available
