Hannah Schueder

Reggio Emilia
I) Introduction:
A) Powerful opening: (quote)
(a) Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just
watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a
journey down the water. Through an active, reciprocal exchange,
teaching can strengthen learning how to learn. Loris Malaguzzi
B) Historical/Background Information:
(a) Reggio was the responsibility of the Roman Catholic Church, as was
common throughout Italy prior to the 1960s.
(b) The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy focused on
preschool and primary education. It was developed after World War
II by a teacher, Loris Malaguzzi, and parents in the villages
around Reggio Emilia in Italy.
(c) Reggios philosophy is to teach, learning, and advocacy in ways of
observing what children know and what their interest are in.

II)Body:
A) Characteristics:
(a) Reggio Emilia Approach focuses on the childs relationship with family,
peers, teachers, and community, small-interaction, schedules set by
the childs personal routine.
(b) A project is an in depth investigation of a topic children find worth
learning more about. The study is usually taken on by a small group of
children within a class, although sometimes the whole class is involved
in a variety of ways.
(c) The key feature allows children to have a sustained and deep learning
experience to find answers to their questions about a topic they are
learning/studying about.
B) Structure/System:
(a) Having an environment that enables children to develop relationships
with the world around them. (creating welcoming, nurturing, home like)
(a) Mirrored backing on shelves to help create a feeling of light
(b) Organize space for small and large group projects
(c) Childrens work and collections that children have made to display
at childs eye level

(b) Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OggIRLi6wQ

C) Vocabulary:
(a) Atelierista: A Reggio Emilia teacher trained in visual arts who works
with teachers and children
(b) Atelier: A special area or studio in a Reggio Emilia school for creating
projects
(c) Documentation:
(a) To make parents aware of childs experiences and maintain their
involvement
(b) To allow teachers to understand children and to evaluate their own
work, thus promoting professional growth
(c) To facilitate communication and exchange of ideas among
educators
(d) To make children aware that their effort is valued
(e) To create an archive that traces the history of the school and the
pleasure of learning by children and their teachers
D) Uniqueness:
(a) The teaching that makes parents, teachers and children equal
shareholders in the learning
(b) It is also based on the childs uniqueness on being curiosity and
perspective
(c) Children use many different ways to show their understanding and
express their thoughts and creativity.
(d) Children learn through creating deep and lasting relationships with the
world around them.
III) Benefits:
A) Environmental Stimulation: Children benefit from having the environment
as their third teacher. Art is hung at childrens eye level. The emphasis
on using natural materials that can be used in more than one way
encourage an interest in the natural world and exploration.
B) Community and Parental Involvement: Children benefit in being equal
partners with, parents and teachers in the learning process. This gives

children the power to direct their learning and grow their creativity.
C) Hundred Languages of Expression: Children benefit from using many
languages to express themselves. The languages include writing,
building, sculpting, and dramatic play. Children develop skills and problemsolving ability through hands-on practice

D) Getting Involved with Long Term Projects: Curriculum planning is based

on childrens interests leading to open-ended and often long-term

IV)

projects that allow children to further explore their interests with

teacher direction.
Disadvantages:
A) Since the Reggio Emilia approach to childhood education itself has no
organized system of spiritual, theological or moral beliefs, it can
sometimes be very challenging for teachers to develop and implement

certain fundamental values in the classroom that will help their student
learn more intrinsically.
V) Personal Reflection:
A) I really like the Reggio Emilia approach because it reflects on both
constructivism and co-constructivism. It is a complex approach from a
different culture. Also I like the environment and how it acts like an

VI)

aquarium that reflects the ideas, ethics, attitudes and culture of

children who live in it and what they are working towards.
Closure:
A) Children must have some control over the direction of their learning.
B) Children must be able to learn through experiences of touching, moving,
listening, and observing.
C) Children have a relationship with other children and with material items
in the world that children must be allowed to explore.
D) Children must have endless ways and opportunities to express
themselves.
E) The environment enables children to develop relationships with the world
around them. (creating welcoming, nurturing, home like setting)