Understanding the Reggio Emilia Approach
Within Space Place Early Years Centre, we are signed up to the Reggio Emilia learning and teaching approaches to education. This is an Italian learning style based in our Scottish context. In Italy educational terms of the northern Italian town of Reggio Emilia has become renowned worldwide for its forward thinking and exemplary approach to early childhood education. Reggio Emilia employs a wholly inclusive policy where such children are included in all levels of mainstream education.
Reggio educators believe strongly in a child with unlimited potential who is eager to interact with and contribute to the world. They believe in a child who has a fundamental right to ‘realise and expand their potential’. This is a child who is driven by curiosity and imagination, a capable child who delights in taking responsibility for his or her own learning, a child who listens and is listened to, a child with an enormous need to love and to be loved, a child who is valued. Indeed, the way in which children’s many strengths and abilities are valued and ‘listened to’ is fundamental to this approach.
Time, and how children and adults use it, is central to the Reggio philosophy. The rhythm and pace of the child is always given overriding importance . . . This means really having time for children’s thoughts and ideas, and giving value to their work, their conversations and their feelings by slowing down to listen to them.
The Image of the Child
Our image of the child is rich in potential, strong, powerful, competent and, most of all, connected to adults and children.
Loris Malaguzzi
Please see links below for more reggio information
Reggio-emilia-approach/Loris-malaguzzi
Reggio Link Education Scotland
