The Reggio Emelia Approach to Innovation
Elsie A Rosa
Early Childhood Education (ECE) is continuously evolving. As an Early Childhood Educator of over sixteen years, I have observed the drastic evolution in the field. The evolution of ECE has transformed how adults (both parents and teachers) approach our young children and work to ready their young minds for future learning experiences, especially in the area of technology. We all have observed the increased use of technology in our day to day lives. There is an enormous increase in and access to handheld devices and computers marketed to young children these days. With the growing use of technology, there is a greater need for teachers to be creative to keep children curious and engaged in the classroom.
In education, why do many people automatically associate the word ‘innovation’ with technology? Although yes, in some circumstances ‘innovation’ is directly linked to technology, it is important to consider other approaches for innovating in early childhood education. Early childhood educators’ objective is to support children’s independence and provide opportunities for learning through play. This idea helps to explain why ECE classrooms are set up with different learning areas, which include an assortment of materials and supplies to help facilitate learning opportunities for children. When starting to research innovation in Early Childhood Education, there is a particular philosophical education approach that continuously appeared, that is not related to the technology; it was the Reggio Emelia philosophical education model.
The Reggio Emelia approach is not technology or an application anyone can download; it is a philosophy that is used to innovate early childhood education. The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy and pedagogy focused on preschool and primary education. This approach is a student-centered and constructivist self-guided curriculum that uses self-directed, experiential learning in relationship-driven environments.
One excellent and reliable resource to continue learning more about the Reggio Emelia Philosophy is the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance website. The North American Reggio Emilia Alliance defines cooperation as, “exist to connect early childhood educators and advocates in discovering, interpreting, and promoting Reggio Emilia inspired education. NAREA believed in the inherent abilities and basic rights of children and adults, particularly concerning their competence and right to actively construct relations, knowledge, feelings, and identity. NAREA works to mobilize educators, parents, and policymakers to play a collective role I moving the value of early childhood education to a position of priority. Through conferences, networking, and resource sharing, NAREA is advancing an inspiring and innovative movement that is giving more quality and excellence to education” (Resources, 2017).
Essentially, the Reggio Emelia approach supports enhancing children’s learning through real-life experiences instead of using a set curriculum. This philosophy allows children to love discovery, create their personality, value, and learn respect for others. Children are encouraged to create and investigate in their learning environment, all while following their natural interest to explore while staying connected with others. They create their learning as the adults nurture learning by asking thought-provoking questions, inviting others to play, and creating opportunities through project-based learning. Exploring NAREA will help expand one’s knowledge about the Reggio Emelia philosophy, sign up for a membership, access resources, connect with others, learn about upcoming events and how to get involved, employment opportunities, find Reggio Emilia Schools, donate, and access free resources, among many other learning opportunities.
I hope you enjoy exploring the NAREA website and learn more about strategies used to innovate early childhood education!
References
Resources. (2017, November 21). North American Reggio Emilia Alliance. https://www.reggioalliance.org/resources/
ICI Center for Education Innovation 