How does Reggio Emilia enrich children's learning?
Through simply understanding the philosophy and the fundamental principles of the Reggio Emilia approach it is clear that there are many benefits that will enrich the learning of each child in early childhood, such using the environment as a teacher and encouraging children to use their many languages. Described below are some very valuable benefits that arise from using the Reggio Emilia approach in an early childhood centre.
The use of Projects and Artwork
Reggio Emilia places a strong emphasis on children engaging in extended in-depth investigations, these are performed with both teachers and children and are based on the child’s interests. Through doing this, children are using their abilities to represent their thoughts, feelings and observations with graphic skills such as drawing, painting and story writing. Artwork and other forms of visual art are seen as languages that children can use when they are not yet competent in reading and writing. They then use this work that they have completed to learn from in the future, through discussion and revisiting what they have done with care. Through the investigation children are learning ways of exploring and understanding that which is around them.
Adult-Child Relationships
The relationships between adults and children in the Reggio
Emilia approach are very involved. The content of these relationships are often focused on the work that the child is doing, both the children and the teachers are equally involved in the progress of the work, the exploration of ideas and the techniques and materials used. This benefits the children’s learning as they become more engaged in their work as the teachers are also, this in turn strengthens the relationship between the two.
Emilia approach are very involved. The content of these relationships are often focused on the work that the child is doing, both the children and the teachers are equally involved in the progress of the work, the exploration of ideas and the techniques and materials used. This benefits the children’s learning as they become more engaged in their work as the teachers are also, this in turn strengthens the relationship between the two.
Children know their work is valued
Because the teachers are so involved in the projects and work of
the children within the centre, children work hard because they sense that their work is valued by the teachers. They see that teachers are taking great care in explaining, assisting and displaying their work therefore they will put a great deal more effort into producing work and ideas that are meaningful, rich and
complex.
the children within the centre, children work hard because they sense that their work is valued by the teachers. They see that teachers are taking great care in explaining, assisting and displaying their work therefore they will put a great deal more effort into producing work and ideas that are meaningful, rich and
complex.
Documentation
In alignment with the Reggio Emilia Approach, documentation is a
very thoughtful and detailed process. Due to such consideration and care put into the display of children’s work through the use of the environment and of learning stories, the learning of the teachers and the children is enhanced as well as the involvement of the parents through the experiences of their children.
very thoughtful and detailed process. Due to such consideration and care put into the display of children’s work through the use of the environment and of learning stories, the learning of the teachers and the children is enhanced as well as the involvement of the parents through the experiences of their children.