Reggio Emilia

“The Reggio Emilia Approach is an innovative, child-centered educational philosophy that originated in the town of Reggio Emilia, Italy, shortly after World War II. Founded by educator Loris Malaguzzi and local parents, this approach encourages children to explore, discover, and express themselves in an environment that recognizes and nurtures their unique way of learning. Rooted in respect, creativity, and collaboration, the Reggio Emilia Approach celebrates children as active participants in their learning journey.”

What Makes the Reggio Emilia Approach Unique?

Children as Active Learners

  • In Reggio Emilia schools, children are viewed as competent individuals brimming with potential.
  • Rather than relying solely on structured lessons, children are encouraged to express their thoughts, ideas, and creativity through exploration and play.
  • The belief is that children are natural researchers who are curious about the world and eager to experiment and discover.

Teachers as Guides and Co-Learners

  • Teachers aren’t just instructors; they are guides who listen to children’s questions and help them explore answers.
  • They collaborate with children, learning alongside them while carefully observing their interests.
  • This dynamic creates a supportive relationship where children feel understood and empowered to follow their passions.

The Environment as the Third Teacher

  • Classrooms are thoughtfully designed to stimulate curiosity and creativity.
  • They are filled with natural light, plants, and intriguing materials that encourage discovery.
  • The environment serves as an “open invitation” for children to explore, investigate, and interact with their surroundings.

Project-Based Learning

  • Learning happens through long-term projects inspired by children’s curiosity.
  • Projects can range from investigating plants and insects to understanding how musical instruments work.
  • This method encourages children to dive deep into subjects, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

The Hundred Languages of Children

  • Children express themselves in many ways – through art, music, dance, construction, writing, and more.
  • The Reggio Emilia approach encourages children to use all of these “languages” to communicate their ideas.
  • This concept highlights the importance of providing children with multiple mediums to express their thoughts and emotions.

Key Elements of a Reggio Emilia Classroom

The Atelier (Art Studio)

A creative space where children experiment with different art materials and learn to express their ideas through drawing, painting, sculpting, and more. The atelier is a vibrant hub that encourages children to dive into their imaginations and bring their ideas to life.

The Atelierista

An art educator who helps children explore their creativity and artistic expression. The atelierista collaborates with classroom teachers to integrate art into various projects and activities.

Documentation

  • Teachers document children’s progress through photos, videos, and written observations.
  • This documentation helps teachers reflect on children’s learning and share their journey with parents.
  • By showcasing children’s work and thought processes, documentation also helps reinforce the value of their efforts.

Collaboration

  • Children work in groups, learning to listen, share ideas, and respect different perspectives.
  • This teamwork fosters a strong sense of community and belonging.
  • Collaboration also teaches children the value of empathy and effective communication.

Benefits of the Reggio Emilia Approach

  • Promotes creativity and innovation by encouraging children to solve problems in unique ways through open-ended projects and diverse forms of expression.
  • Builds confidence and independence as children explore their interests, make choices, take risks, and learn from their mistakes.
  • Encourages critical thinking by allowing children to explore fascinating topics through project-based learning and hands-on exploration.
  • Fosters social skills through collaboration, teaching children the importance of teamwork, empathy, and effective communication.

Why SIS Play Follows the Reggio Emilia Approach

At SIS Play Kolkata, we believe that children are naturally curious and capable learners. That’s why we embrace the Reggio Emilia Approach to education. Here’s why:

Nurturing Creativity and Confidence

We encourage our students to express themselves through art, storytelling, and music. By exploring what they love, children build confidence and develop a passion for learning.

Building a Strong Learning Community

Our classrooms are friendly spaces where children learn to collaborate and feel like they belong. Teachers guide and support children so they always feel valued and heard.

Inspiring Critical Thinking

Project-based learning allows children to get deep into topics that interest them. This hands-on approach helps them think critically and solve problems creatively.

Celebrating Each Child’s Unique Journey

Every child's learning journey is special. By documenting their progress, we celebrate each child's achievements and share them with their families, keeping parents connected and helping them appreciate their child’s growth.

At SIS Play Kolkata, we are dedicated to providing an enriching educational experience that empowers children to explore, discover, and express themselves in a supportive and nurturing environment.