The Reggio Emilia Approach

The Reggio Emilia approach has had a significant influence on the way we do things at Kid’s Island Nursery and is one of the fundamental cornerstones of our own “Inspire Philosophy.” As Early Years educators, our main goal is to set children on the right path by acknowledging their immense potential and putting stepping stones in place to ensure they reach it.

The Environment

One of our favourite aspects of the Reggio Emilia pedagogy is the recognition of the child’s learning environment as a third teacher. This idea encompasses the main principles we have built our nursery on: a cozy, warm environment allows children to settle and grow into their own. Ultimately, it’s all about a child’s environment inspiring them to explore, discover, and learn. Our playrooms are able to effectively foster a sense of wonder in children and we work meticulously to ensure that every nook and cranny has something inspiring to explore, while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.

Making Connections with Families

Working in partnership with the families of our children is an essential part of what we do. When relationships are built on mutual trust, respect, and collaboration, there is little room for things to unravel! Building these strong systems of support ensures that children remain at the centre of our work and keeps communication flowing. Whether it’s through one of our parent participation sessions where parents come in to play with their child in their classroom, or at our weekly Stay & Play sessions where we invite families in for the morning who are just beginning their journey into nursery life, our priority is making connections!

The Importance of Play

We firmly believe that children learn best when their natural curiosity is sparked, drawing them to learn by following their interests like moths to a flame. This aligns with the Reggio Emilia practices of allowing children to direct and guide their own learning. In doing so, we ensure that children are always having fun in their pursuit of knowledge, creating a lifelong love of learning.

Sometimes, we must remind ourselves as adults that play is the work of a child. It is how they learn—by experiencing the world around them and understanding how it works through play. Shifting the focus away from academics in the Early Years and encouraging the development of social skills, physical development, communication, and language is the essential foundation upon which self-confidence and independence are built. Fostering a child’s ability to understand not only their own feelings and needs, but also those of their peers is a skill that will carry them through the rest of their lives. Letters and numbers are the easy part!

F.A.Q:

What is the Reggio Emilia nursery approach?

The Reggio Emilia approach allows creative freedom, flexibility and self-expression in children’s learning adventures. This then offers children the breathing room to learn through their interests and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Is Reggio Emilia the same as Montessori?

While both Reggio Emilia and Maria Montessori are pioneers of successful pedologist in the Early Years space, they are not the same. The Reggio approach surrounds an emergent, flexible curriculum, whereas there is more structure within the Montessori methods.

What is the age range in Reggio preschools?

Children of all ages are encouraged to begin learning the moment they develop personal interests in the Reggio approach. While there is no starting age, it is an Early Years programme. The Montessori approach only begins from 3 years until adolescence, whereas Reggio is only usually carried out in nurseries and preschool environments.

What are the core beliefs of Reggio Emilia?

At the core of it all, it encourages children to have some control in their learning and follow their own interests as a way to inspire themselves.