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All about ... The Reggio Approach
A short extract from an eight page feature which appeared in the Nursery World magazine, January 2003.
Introduction
The pre-schools of Reggio Emilia, in northern Italy, came to international attention in 1991 when Newsweek magazine named one of its schools, the Diana School, one of the 10 best schools in the world. Since then, interest in the Reggio Approach has grown enormously. The two visits of the 100 Languages of Children Exhibition to the UK in 1997 and 2000 drew audiences of over 50,000 people. Over 300 professionals from the UK have joined study tours to Reggio Emilia to see the philosophy in practice in the region's pre-schools and infant toddler centres.
The Reggio Approach is not a 'method' or a solution which can be transplanted wholesale from one culture to another. However, through learning more about this innovative approach, many early years educators in this country have been inspired to re-evaluate their ways of working with young children and parents. Those who have been inspired by the Reggio Approach have adopted aspects of the philosophy and adapted them to become culturally appropriate to the UK.
Brick by brick
The pre-schools of Reggio Emilia have been in existence for almost 60 years. Over this period they have evolved to reflect the culture, history, politics and challenges of their times.
The first pre-school was founded on Liberation Day in 1945 on the outskirts of Reggio Emilia. The local community, determined to give their children a better future, began to build a pre-school from the rubble of the war-torn buildings, brick by brick, creating a symbol of regeneration and hope.
The tradition of parental and community involvement is a significant feature of the Reggio philosophy. Democratic rights, duties and responsibilities are valued highly and underpin all of the work that goes on within the Reggio schools. Instrumental in developing this philosophy was Loris Malaguzzi who, from 1945 onwards worked with parents and fellow educators to develop an educational philosophy built on the concept of the confident, competent child.
The main features of the Reggio Approach are:
- The image of the child
- Relationships and time
- Teaching, learning and documentation
- The learning environment
- Reflective practice - children and adults as researchers.
