Inspired by the Preschools of Reggio Emilia

“What is unique about human learning is its dedication to possibility. When we human beings learn, the act of learning carries us beyond what we have encountered and propels us into the realm of the possible. The human learning process is not simply about acquiring knowledge about what we have encountered; it is dedicated to ‘going beyond the information give’. We are entering upon revolutionary times with emphasis upon depth of knowledge rather than just upon its extent. We are discovering that thoughtful learning promotes not only human competence, but also creative dignity It is what the remarkable Reggio Emilia preschools are all about! Jerome Bruner

It is an educational philosophy. It was started by the parents of the villages around Reggio Emilia in post-war Italy. The destruction from the war, parents believed, necessitated a new approach to teaching their children. They felt that it is in the early years of development that children form who they are as individuals. This led to creation of a program based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration and discovery in a supportive and enriching environment. Reggio Origins

Reggio is something you do Misconceptions

My Classroom will need to be white and empty and Reggio inspired programs can only happen in beautiful spaces Misconceptions

If I just put out some wicker baskets... Misconceptions

You Don’t Teach Literacy...it’s all about art Misconceptions

It’s an alternative program Misconceptions

How the Philosophy of Reggio Emilia Supports and Enriches Ministry of Education mandates

“...the image of the children as rich, strong and powerful.” Carlina Rinaldi Young children come to school with “ an enormous capacity to learn ” ( The Full Day Early Learning – Kindergarten Program, ) Foster qualities of teaching that value children as capable, creative, innovative people who are active participants in their own learning (Early Years Strategy) Image of the Child

Differentiated Instruction Multiple Intelligences Integrated Learning Multiple Languages to Learn and Express Thinking

Pedagogy of Listening Grand Conversations Effective Questioning Powerful Interactions

Inquiry “There should be a balance between educator-initiated activities and child-initiated activities...” ( The Full Day Early Learning –Kindergarten Program, ) “learning activities are designed to encourage the children to think creatively, to explore and investigate, to solve problems and to engage in the inquiry process and to share their learning with others.” ( The Full Day Early Learning –Kindergarten Program, )

Environment as the Third Teacher "We value space because of its power to organize, promote pleasant relationships between people of all ages, create a handsome environment, provide changes, promote choices and activity, and its potential for sparking all kinds of social, affective and cognitive learning. “ Loris Malaguzzi

Valuing Group Learning “Thinking, reasoning and words, together with feelings, creativity and aesthetics thrive on action and mutual exchange” Vygotsky - Social Constructivism Learning from and with Each Other

Documentation “All theories, from the simplest to the most elaborate, must be narrated and listened to in order to exist” “Documentation is visible listening” Documenting Children’s Learning

Partnerships with families and communities... strengthens the ability of early childhood setting to meet the needs of young children. ( The Full Day Early Learning –Kindergarten Program, ) The Importance of Involving Families

Nothing without joy Loris Malaguzzi Parting thoughts... small steps