The Reggio Emilia learning approach is fast becoming a favourite, mainly due it’s child-lead learning style. There are many Reggio Emilia preschools, and this is a style of learning many parents feel will help their child to develop much more efficiently than the traditional method.
Reggio Emilia is centred around the idea that a concept must make sense to a child to be meaningful. This means a child should control their own learning, and should be both respected and encouraged to find their own educational path. As this is quite a wide idea, it is narrowed down into four main principles.
The first principle is that children must have a say in what they learn. They must be interested in the concept, and want to learn in. This ensures the child is likely to understand the concept, and therefore learn it efficiently and be able to utilize it. The second principle is that a child must fully experience a concept to understand it fully. The Reggio Emilia method is very focused on senses, so a concept must be seen, heard and felt, and if possible tasted and smelt too. A child must be immersed in a concept to fully process it.
The third principle is that children must be able to interact with other children, as experiencing relationships with others provides a way for the child to explore the world. This principle encourages children to socialize, and to visit new places and meet new people. The fourth principle is that children should always be encouraged to express themselves through whichever means possible. This could be through vocal methods, through materials such as paint and clay and through dramatic and imaginative play.
The Reggio Emilia method encourages parental involvement, and often preschools and schools will invite parents into the classroom to join in with the learning. This helps to further development and allows the parent to continue the method at home.
