The Reggio Emilia Approach to Education

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Recommended: Three child development theories

Reggio Emilia approach to education is a teaching philosophy based on Developmentally Appropriate Approach to teaching and learning. It is an approached founded on theories of child development, an observation and assessment of the child’s interest and curiosity about the world around him and his cultural background. A Developmentally Appropriate Practice ensures the wholesome growth of the child and nurtures his socio-emotional, physical and cognitive development. The Reggio approach to education respects the individuality of the child, his strength and capability and innate curiosity about the world around him. The Reggio Emilia curriculum is generated based on the interests of the child, encouraging the child to initiate his own learning in an environment conducive to exploration and discovery.
Reggio Emilia Approach originated in Italy in a small town with the same name. It was started under the leadership of educator Loris Malaguzzi in collaboration with parents and other educators and educationists. This educational model was influenced by many early childhood psychologists and philosophers, such as Piaget, Vygotsky, and Gardner and gave birth to a new community centric and culture inspired centers of education for infants, toddlers and preschoolers in Reggio Emilia.
The Reggio early childhood program is an emergent curriculum based on the emerging interests of the child and keeps evolving with the developing curiosity of the child. The ideas for the curriculum emerge naturally from the questions raised by the child in an environment created to generate spontaneous curiosity and exploratory avenues for the child. Adult child interactions that lead to teachable moments are utilized to optimize the curriculum and draw value...

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...f the individual child by the teacher leading to the wholesome growth of the child. The result is an atmosphere that is developmentally appropriate for adults and children alike.

Bibliography
Garret, R. (2013, July 15). What is Reggio Emilia?. Retrieved from http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Reggio_Emilia/
Mercilliott Hewett, V. (n.d.). Examining the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education. Retrieved from http://static.squarespace.com/static/51ed94d0e4b03bd18bdcc998/t/526c8eabe4b0f35a9f0216e3/1382846123076/ExaminingtheReggioEmiliaApproach.pdf
The Reggio Emilia approach to early years education. (2006). Retrieved from http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/images/ReggioAug06_tcm4-393250.pdf
What is the Reggio Emilia approach?. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://childdiscoverycenter.org/non-traditional-classroom/what-is-the-reggio-emilia-approach/

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