The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy that developed in Italy during the Post - World War II era. The Reggio Emilia approach focuses heavily on young children having a relationship with the environment they are learning in and promoting curiosity by giving young children to explore the world around them. The Reggio Emilia approach is reflected in our classroom environment through the incorporation of natural elements, natural colors, found objects used for construction and art, and student - guided learning. The physical environment is often referred to as the "Third Teacher" in the Reggio philosophy. In extended day, we plan all activities based on student - interest and allow students to explore topics that interest them as individuals. We also strive to give students the opportunity to express themselves through a variety of ways.
The Reggio approach to learning is based on four key principles: 1. Children should have some control over their learning. 2. Children learn best through experiences of touching, moving, listening, and observing. 3. Children should develop relationships with other children, adults in the learning community, material items, and the natural world. 4. Children must have endless ways and opportunities to express themselves.
As a teacher in a Reggio Emilia environment, my role is to help facilitate your child's interest and act as a co - learner in the educational process. I focus on building individual relationships with each child so that students feel comfortable to express their ideas, observations, and interests with me during the learning process. My goal is to help your child evolve upon their own interests and ideas, which is why my lesson plans are always very flexible and designed to incorporate student interest.
Documentation is an additional essential element to the Reggio Emilia approach. I strive to document your child's learning in a variety of ways, including photographs of students conducting work, videos of students explaining what they are learning, journals that students can express their own ideas in, and collaborate art. Physical documentation of our learning in Extended Day will be displayed in the hallway outside of our classroom. I will also post photos and videos on the blog to help document student learning.