The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy started by Loris Malaguzzi and the parents of the villages around Reggio Emilia in Italy after World War II. It focuses on a children's natural development. The approach is child-centered, taking the philosophy that learning must make sense to the child in order to be effective and meaningful. And that the child's point of view is completely respected. The classroom environment is considered to be the child’s third teacher. And is carefully designed to be a warm and inviting place for the children. The children are seen as competent, resourceful, curious, imaginative, inventive and possess a desire to communicate with others. 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. The Reggio Emilia Philosophy The philosophy proposes interactive methods of teaching, which often involve the parents, educators and environment in a variety of ways. * Children must have some control over the direction of their learning and opportunities to express themselves. * Children must be able to learn through using their five senses experiences. Able to touch, move, listen, see and hear in order to fully process something. * Children are encouraged to interact with other children and explore the world through material items and relationships. *Children’s artwork are beautifully displayed throughout the school. * Children are also encouraged to participate in a variety of expressive activities such as sculpture, dramatic play, puppetry, painting, dancing, music, etc. Children's Multiple Symbolic Languages Children see themselves as capable learners and important contributors to the project. Using arts as a symbolic language through which to express their understandings in their project work Children are motivated to express themselves through various means, such as writing, drawing and play-acting. These works are often shared to encourage collective participation. Consistent with Dr. Howard Gardner's notion of schooling for multiple intelligences. The Reggio approach calls for the integration of the graphic arts as tools for cognitive, linguistic, and social development. Presentation of concepts in multiple forms such as print, art, music, construction, drama, puppetry, and shadow play. These are viewed as essential to children's understanding of experience. The Teacher and Parents The teacher is a researcher into the ways in which children learn. She seeks to know each child as an individual person and to create a trusting relationship in which learning can take place Teacher plans activities and lessons based on the children's interests. Asking questions and actively engaging in the activities alongside the children. Parents are viewed as partners, collaborators and advocates for your children. Teacher respects parents as each child's first teacher and involve parents in every aspect of the curriculum. Parents are strongly encouraged to assist your children, not only with homework, but also by being involved in your children's school activities. The organization of the physical environment is crucial to Reggio Emilia's early childhood program, and is often referred to as the child's "third teacher". Projects begin with teacher observing and questioning children about the topic of interest. Based on children's responses, teacher introduces materials, questions, and opportunities that provoke children to further explore the topic. Throughout the school, there is an effort to create opportunities for children to interact. The important aspect of the Reggio Emilia approach is that it gives children some control over the way they learn things. Parents and teacher are often instructed to find ways to incorporate children's interests into a the learning process. | 
