Reggio Emilia-based daycares and preschools may stand out from the rest. Because learning activities are child-directed, this is why it’s so special. Even young children are involved in the direction of their learning.
Loris Malaguzzi was the founder of Reggio Emilia. She believed that children were capable, curious, and eager to learn about the world. Malaguzzi created a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on activities and natural collaboration. These are the principles that guide Reggio Emilia schools, classrooms and teachers:
Child-Led Projects and “Adventures”
Children won’t be sat still at their desks in Reggio Emilia classrooms. Each child chooses their topic of research, then follows that path to the end with input from parents and teachers.
The Quest for Answers
Traditional schools have teachers who present information to students and then they repeat it back to them. Reggio Emilia encourages children to ask questions and find answers. Teachers are not lecturers or presenters. They collaborate with children to find answers. Teachers can help students find information and provide the tools to create their own answers. Children develop their critical thinking skills as they engage in their learning.
The Classroom as Teacher
Reggio Emilia classrooms are for children to explore and ask questions. The classroom supplies are carefully selected and placed so that children can explore. The classroom is equipped with recording devices that allow for the display of learning. Documentation and projects are used to track learning.
You’ll soon see that communication and collaboration are important elements of a Reggio Emilia school. It is possible that you will learn as much from watching children learn than you would by asking school administrators questions.