The Reggio Emilia Approach at Preschol of the Arts

The Image of the Child:

Rich
Strong
Powerful
Capable
Has Potential
Desire to Grow
Ability to be Amazed
Desire to Communicate and Relate to Others

The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy developed by psychologist Loris Malaguzzi and parents in the Reggio Emilia region of Italy after World War II. (Read more about the philosophy of Reggio Emilia.)

The Image of the Child:

Rich
Strong
Powerful
Capable
Has Potential
Desire to Grow
Ability to be Amazed
Desire to Communicate & Relate to Others

The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy developed by psychologist Loris Malaguzzi and parents in the Reggio Emilia region of Italy after World War II. (Read more about the philosophy of Reggio Emilia.)

Here at Preschool of the Arts, our practice of the Reggio Emilia approach is based on these principles:

1

A child is capable and competent.

With the expectation that they can do more than they are given credit for, children feel empowered to seek out learning opportunities.

A child is capable and competent.

With the expectation that they can do more than they are given credit for, children feel empowered to seek out learning opportunities.

2

The teacher is present and in tune with the classroom.

Our teachers (or guides) are expert facilitators – they observe, contemplate the next step, intervene where necessary, and then observe again. This method allows our teachers to capture learning opportunities that present themselves throughout the day. Teachers carefully and intentionally prepare provocations to spark the imagination of the children. They dynamically adjust lessons as organic, teachable moments occur, in order to meet the needs of all children.

The teacher is present and in tune with the classroom.

Our teachers (or guides) are expert facilitators – they observe, contemplate the next step, intervene where necessary, and then observe again. This method allows our teachers to capture learning opportunities that present themselves throughout the day. Teachers carefully and intentionally prepare provocations to spark the imagination of the children. They dynamically adjust lessons as organic, teachable moments occur, in order to meet the needs of all children.

3

Freedom happens within structure.

Creativity thrives within a framework of consistency. We set boundaries and provide organization to create a safe environment for open-ended creativity, thought, and exploration.

Freedom happens within structure.

Creativity thrives within a framework of consistency. We set boundaries and provide organization to create a safe environment for open-ended creativity, thought, and exploration.

4

Learning is visible.

We consistently document children’s work to show the process of production, as well as the finished product. This allows our teachers, children, and parents to revisit and see again the child’s growth throughout each day, week, and year.

Learning is visible.

We consistently document children’s work to show the process of production, as well as the finished product. This allows our teachers, children, and parents to revisit and see again the child’s growth throughout each day, week, and year.

5

The environment is the third teacher.

The environment of the classroom serves as an important inspiration and learning tool. An intentional, well-lit room that is filled with interesting and meaningful objects excites our children and inspires them to learn.

The environment is the third teacher.

The environment of the classroom serves as an important inspiration and learning tool. An intentional, well-lit room that is filled with interesting and meaningful objects excites our children and inspires them to learn.

6

Connecting with nature is a daily practice.

Children benefit from time away from today’s technological world. Running, exploring through nature walks, digging in soil, planting gardens, and connecting with the natural world builds within our children a sense of responsibility and care for the world.

Connecting with nature is a daily practice.

Children benefit from time away from today’s technological world. Running, exploring through nature walks, digging in soil, planting gardens, and connecting with the natural world builds within our children a sense of responsibility and care for the world.

7

Art is an essential learning tool.

Creative expression through the fine arts allows children to learn holistically. When participating in auditory learning through music exploration, tactile learning through sensory experiences, and visual motor skills through art activities, children reap the rewards of a rich environment.

Art is an essential learning tool.

Creative expression through the fine arts allows children to learn holistically. When participating in auditory learning through music exploration, tactile learning through sensory experiences, and visual motor skills through art activities, children reap the rewards of a rich environment.

8

Joy fosters learning.

At Preschool of the Arts we find joy within the school day through laughter, humor, and fun. We find that it creates happier children and excited learners.

Joy fosters learning.

At Preschool of the Arts we find joy within the school day through laughter, humor, and fun. We find that it creates happier children and excited learners.

9

Self-worth is the foundation of learning.

Our children’s positive feelings of self-worth are the foundation of all curriculum development at Preschool of the Arts. Each child brings his or her own world to us each day and each child’s learning is filtered through his or her unique perspective.

Self-worth is the foundation of learning.

Our children’s positive feelings of self-worth are the foundation of all curriculum development at Preschool of the Arts. Each child brings his or her own world to us each day and each child’s learning is filtered through his or her unique perspective.

At the Preschool of the Arts, our practice of the Reggio Approach is based on these principles:

  1. A child is capable and competent.
  2. The teacher is present and in tune with the classroom.
  3. Freedom happens within structure.
  4. Learning is visible.
  5. The environment is the third teacher.
  6. Connecting with nature is a daily practice.
  7. Art is an essential learning tool.
  8. Joy fosters learning.
  9. Self-worth is the foundation of learning.

At the Preschool of the Arts, our practice of the Reggio Approach is based on these principles:

  1. A child is capable and competent.
  2. The teacher is present and in tune with the classroom.
  3. Freedom happens within structure.
  4. Learning is visible.
  5. The environment is the third teacher.
  6. Connecting with nature is a daily practice.
  7. Art is an essential learning tool.
  8. Joy fosters learning.
  9. Self-worth is the foundation of learning.

477 Mathis Ferry Road • Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 • 843-884-2323