What is the reggio Emilia approach?
History
In 1950 in a town called Reggio Emilia, Italy the educators and citizens realized the need for early childhood education. Many of the advocates for this transition of education believed that "education should liberate childhood energies and capacities" (Cadwell, 2003, p.3). They promoted the development of the whole child in all domains of their life. The characteristics of the Reggio Emilia approach that differs it from other early childhood education movements is the atelier, the collaborative team, parent participation, documentation, and using research. The atelier is the space where children can experiment and create. This space is consciously and mindfully designed when considering space, materials, colours, and light the environment is used to engage and invite the students to explore. The Reggio Emilia Approach is an innovative and student-centered approach to early childhood elementary. Its principles are implemented into the teaching practice not as a method but as an approach to education considering the needs of the classroom. This is a student-centred style to education and by understanding its core principles educators can foster a child’s innate curiosity, which ultimately cultivates learning.
Integral Ideas to the Philosophy
- The view of the child
- The use of space, time, and environment
- The view of the teacher
- The importance documentation
- Parents and families used as a partner
THE REGGIO EMILIA CURRICULUM IS NOT CHILD CENTRED OR TEACHER DIRECTED. THE 'CURRICULUM' IS CHILD ORIGINATED AND TEACHER FRAMED.
What are some relevant resources to assist teachers to implement the reggio approach?When changing teaching philosophies and practice it is important for teachers to have relevant materials and resources to assist them in the classroom.
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what is a creative way to implement reggio to engage young learners?This is a take-home project that was implemented to engage students and parents promote literacy and leadership, and get students out in their community.
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