Diving into the world of education can sometimes feel like learning a new language. From “emotional literacy” to “Culturally Responsive Teaching,” the vocabulary of teaching and learning is ever-expanding, reflecting the dynamic nature of the field. That’s why this friendly glossary has been put together. Think of it as an educational compass, guiding you through…
When it comes to teaching kids, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s where the concept of the emergent curriculum comes into play, a method that the Reggio Emilia approach to education really champions. This method isn’t about sticking to a rigid plan; instead, it’s all about tuning into what kids are curious about and using that to drive their…
The ultimate education battle: Reggio Emilia vs Montessori. These two approaches, often used interchangeably, seem to pop out everywhere, from Pinterest activities to Instagram-worthy classroom setups. But are they the two sides of the same coin? Not quite. So let’s try to move beyond superficial labels, diving deep into the fundamental principles, methodologies, and classroom…
My Real-World Lessons from Reggio and Montessori Schools “Is Reggio Emilia the same as Montessori?” Suppose we are picturing educational philosophies as characters in a boxing ring; we might see Reggio Emilia with its team spirit in one corner and Montessori with its ‘do-it-yourself’ vibe in the other. While both are heavyweights in the world of…
In the realm of early childhood education, loose parts play is a dynamic approach rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy. It recognizes that children are innate learners who flourish when granted the freedom to explore and create on their own terms. Prepare to embark on a practical and playful adventure where possibilities are as boundless as a child’s…
Loose parts play refers to a style of play that involves open-ended materials or objects that can be manipulated, moved, and combined in countless ways by children. These materials are called “loose parts” because they are not fixed or limited in their use. They can be anything from natural elements like sticks, stones, and leaves to everyday objects such as buttons, fabric scraps, or empty…
The Reggio Emilia classroom is designed to inspire relationships: we imagine children moving across different areas, interacting with each other, experimenting with different textures and tools, moving materials into different settings to explore new properties and characteristics.
The Reggio Emilia approach is an innovative teaching philosophy that emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and community. This method was created by Loris Malaguzzi and a group of parents in Reggio Emilia, Italy, after World War II. It is known globally for its focus on children’s learning. [ref] “Three Approaches from Europe: Waldorf, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia,” Carolyn…