Adopting the Reggio Emilia Approach

The Reggio Emilia Approach is one which has caught my interest over the last year, inspired by bloggers and exploring Pinterest I have taken the decision to integrate it into my setting. This approach to early years education is a fresh way for me to explore how to support children's learning and I would love to share with you my plans and what the approach is all about.

Background

The name Reggio Emilia comes from the town in Italy where the concept originated  and has since stretched to the surrounding province as well as inspiring many educators around the world. Reggio Emilia is not a method for teaching and there for you will not find courses solely teaching this approach as you would Montessori. While taking the principles into consideration it is easily to use follow Reggio in a way that will suit your own setting and the children that you care for.  

The Values and Principles of Reggio Emilia

Each of these would be considered separately, although they are generally interrelated as well.

• Reggio educators believe strongly that children have unlimited potential,enabling them to guide and steer their own learning.They are eager to interact with and contribute to the world and their local community. 
• Identifies the importance of expressive arts and creativity in the early years setting
• Parents and teachers to work together in supporting children's need and ability to express them selves both acting as learners them selves instead of educators. 
• Known as the third educator, the environment should be filled with open spaces and natural light. The space should be free from clutter inviting children to explore and use materials in collaboration.  
• Children's interests and discoveries are largely documented and displayed to celebrate children's learning and clearly show their thought process. 
• The Reggio Emilia Approach also carries the belief that there are a hundred ways children learn and each and every one should be recognised and celebrated.

I believe that my children would gain a lot from integrating this approach into my setting. P and Little Man have learnt so much over the last year from their natural environment, I feel that this could help their learning immensely  and I plan to do this slowly, documenting here on Playful Learners as we go.