The Reggio approach is a philosophy developed by Loris Malaguzzi in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and is increasing in popularity in the United States, although it’s still widely overlooked. In this teaching method, children are viewed as capable and confident rather than helpless and in need of direction. Teachers don’t “talk down” to children or try to oversimplify things for them; rather, they treat them with respect, and are seen as co-learners rather than authority figures. Children in Reggio-inspired preschools are encouraged to find their own solutions to problems instead of being told answers by the teachers. They build their knowledge through hands-on experiences and interactions with others. This program places a heavy emphasis on the arts: music, drawing, sculpting, and dramatic play. In his article, “The Best-Kept Secret This Side of Italy,” educator Gary Stager writes, “The Reggio environment is filled with materials, which the children may explore and use to construct knowledge and explore their world. Reggio schools aim for transparency so kids can learn about the world by being immersed in an open safe subsection of it.” Teachers meticulously document each child’s progression and share it openly, so that parents can actually see the learning process. This philosophy is very community-oriented and places great importance on the involvement of adults in the child’s education.
Summary: Reggio Emilia preschools focus heavily on the arts and hands-on activities. Teachers are there to encourage rather than instruct, and provide detailed documentation of each child’s learning experiences to share with parents, making the educational process visible.
Is this right for my child? If your child enjoys working creatively with art supplies, a Reggio preschool is just the ticket. Most children will flourish in such a creative, community-oriented program. If your child is accustomed to a lot of solitary playtime, she may take some extra time adjusting to a Reggio school.