Italy is known for many things! Roman ruins, delicious and affordable wine, food that leaves your heart happy, and preschool education oddly enough! Reggio, also called Reggio Emilia, or the Reggio Emilia Approach has a similar beginning to Montessori, which you might be a little more familiar with. It began in post-war (WWII) Italy in a town called Reggio Emilia. It is a philosophy that is based on a few fundamental principles.
- Children are competent and capable. They are able to construct their own learning. Their own interests drive learning.
- Interactions are integral. Children learn their place in the world through collaboration, communication, and interactions. Adults can facilitate this by encouraging group work.
- The environment is a teacher. The environment is the 3rd “teacher” in Reggio, the first and second being the parent and teacher, and it can have a strong impact on children. We can ignite children’s learning by structuring the environment to be creative, beautiful, functional, and reflective of where they are in their learning.
- Adults as guides. Children led the direction of learning. Adults take on the roles of guides or researchers on the journey.
- Making learning visible. Learning is documented and displayed through art, drama, music, movement, and writing.
- 100 Languages. George Forman and Brenda Fyfe (2012) describe the hundred languages of children as symbolic languages children use to express their own knowledge and desire through artwork, conversation, early writing, dramatic play, music, dance, and other outlets.
How can I bring The Reggio Approach into my home?
Much of the literature about The Reggio Approach pertains to the curriculum for early childhood education, but from this approach, we can take ideas and apply them to our homes. Here are some practical ideas to bring the mindset to your home
– Help Them Help Themselves –
What can you put down on their level? Clothing on hooks or in baskets that allow them to dress on their own, put away their own clothing, clean up their own rooms, and remove their hats, coats, shoes, and mittens. Baskets on shelves are easier than dresser drawers for quite a few years. Snacks in baskets or cabinets that they can access with healthy snack options. Stools, squatty potties, or toddler towers can increase physical independence in the home.
– Learning through Collaboration and Connection –
Where are their opportunities for learning together in your world? Baking in the kitchen? Group play outside, a class or activity they can do in the week.
– Environment as Teacher –
Do you have spaces dedicated to childhood in your home? Do your spaces ignite play, cultivate curiosity, and foster independence? Is there too much clutter? Often, too many toys are out, and too many toys are broken or missing pieces. Can you cull your toys in a Marie Kondo fashion and only keep what ignites play? Can you set up a toy rotation for extra toys that you rotate out every few weeks?
– Child Led –
Where is there space in your home and life for littles to take the lead? Can they structure their morning on Saturdays? Do you provide shelving and bins to they can choose which activity to engage with? How can you offer water, messy activities, and painting outside? Does time in their day exist when you, other adults, and the screens do not entertain them?
– Making Learning Visible –
How can you display the learning or creations? In what ways do you document their thoughts? Can you help them to write a book with their ideas, frame their artwork, and display their learning on the wall? Check out these other ideas for incorporating visible thinking routines.
More Resources
For more on Reggio, check out these resources and the poem by Reggio founder Loris Malaguzzi which aims to capture the 100 languages of child expression.
- The Reggio Approach
- What is Reggio?
- 100 Languages by founder Loris Malaguzzi
- 7 Ideas for Reggio