Reggio Emelia

After searching the Internet for an explanation of the core values of a Reggio program I found this information to be the most valuable. Our program is Reggio inspired. This being said I use as much as I can in the classroom while keeping in line with the curriculum expectations given by the government. This approach is valued by our school board and the ministry of education. The learning that takes place in this type of environment is amazing!

Here are the core values
Just what are these core values? Here's an introduction:

• The child as an active participant in learning. The Reggio approach sees a child as a very competent protagonist and initiator, who interacts with their environment.  Students are allowed to follow their own interests and the teacher is there to facilitate the learning and provide materials for the learning process. The teacher helps the student research, investigage and take the learning to another level.
• The significance of environment. “The environment" is seen as the third educator, after the teacher and the parent.  Most Reggio classrooms include a studio, or “atelier,” which is filled with materials such as clay, paint, and writing implements. The classroom is organized so that the children have access to all materials. The use of natural products and bringing the outdoors in is essential. The materials are organized for easy access and clutter is minimal.  Children use these materials to represent concepts that they are learning in a hands-on way.
• Making learning visible. “The teacher observes and documents the daily life  to make learning visible.  In Reggio inspired classrooms, teachers use a variety of documentation methods, such as cameras, tape recorders, and journals, to track children's thoughts and ideas as they play together or work with materials. For example, each child has a portfolio binder, including photographs of their projects, quotes from the child, artwork, and writing samples. “It's kind of like a narrative of what the child learns at school." noting that the children take great pride and satisfaction in their portfolios.

Although adapting the values of the Reggio Emilia approach can be challenging for teachers, it is worth it. “Validating the children's work and supporting the child to go deeper into their perception of the world is the most important part of the process.” Parents and teachers will agree: it's never too soon to start giving your child a nose for knowledge and the tools to investigate the world.