Reggio Emilia Approach & Nature-based Education

In recent years, there’s been a growing interest in nature-based education, with Scandinavian-style forest schools becoming particularly popular. As cities expand and children’s lives become increasingly structured and screen-driven, the idea of outdoor learning—where kids spend more time in natural environments, exploring freely—has become an appealing alternative.

But like any educational trend, forest schools vary widely in quality and implementation, and the broader concept of integrating nature into education takes many different forms.

This brings us to the Reggio Emilia approach, which has long embraced nature as an essential part of the learning environment—but in a way that’s distinct from forest schools. Rather than separating learning into “indoor” and “outdoor” experiences, Reggio classrooms blend the two, using nature as both a material and a context for exploration.

So, what role does nature really play in a Reggio-inspired setting? How does it support children’s learning and development? And how does Reggio’s approach compare to other models of nature-based education?

Why Nature Matters in the Reggio Emilia Approach

The Environment as the Third Teacher

In the Reggio Emilia philosophy, learning is not confined to four walls. The physical environment is designed to be dynamic, adapting to children’s interests while offering elements that stimulate discovery.

• Classroom spaces incorporate natural materials, such as wood, clay, stone, and plants, to create a calm, sensory-rich setting.
• Natural light, open windows, and outdoor access provide children with a seamless connection to nature.
• Outdoor learning areas function as extensions of the classroom, where children can explore movement, textures, and natural phenomena.

This approach differs from traditional structured learning, where environments are static and predetermined. Instead, Reggio classrooms evolve alongside children’s curiosity, reflecting their interests and interactions with their surroundings.

📌 Read more: How Reggio Emilia Classroom Design Supports Inquiry-Based Learning

Nature as a Medium for Learning

In Reggio Emilia-inspired settings, nature is not just a backdrop—it is an active component of learning. Children are encouraged to engage with the natural world through:

✅ Observation: Watching insects, collecting leaves, and exploring seasonal changes spark curiosity about the environment.
✅ Sensory Exploration: Handling soil, water, or tree bark enhances fine motor skills and builds an emotional connection to nature.
✅ Artistic Expression: Natural materials—such as flowers, stones, and mud—are incorporated into collages, sculptures, and painting activities.
✅ Autonomous Discovery: Outdoor environments allow children to self-direct their learning, making decisions based on what fascinates them most.

Unlike traditional education models that rely on predefined materials and structured tasks, the Reggio approach allows nature itself to be a teacher, a tool, and a canvas for creativity.

Scientific Benefits of Nature Play in Early Childhood

While the Reggio Emilia approach emphasizes nature as a learning tool, research confirms that outdoor play has profound developmental benefits for young children. From cognitive growth to emotional regulation, nature-based education fosters essential life skills in early childhood.

Cognitive Benefits: Nature Enhances Focus, Problem-Solving, and Creativity

Scientific studies show that children who engage in outdoor play demonstrate higher levels of problem-solving and creativity compared to their peers in traditional indoor settings.

• A study published in the Frontiers in Psychology journal found that children who spend more time in natural environments have greater attention spans and improved executive functioning skills (i.e., the ability to plan, focus, and remember instructions).
• Research from Natural Start Alliance reports that open-ended exploration in nature fosters creative thinking, as children are required to improvise, adapt, and engage with their surroundings.

In Reggio-inspired settings, where children lead their learning experiences, outdoor play amplifies creativity and autonomy, supporting the philosophy that children are co-constructors of knowledge rather than passive learners.

📌Read more: The 7 Core Reggio Emilia Principles

Physical Benefits: Movement and Motor Skill Development

The physical advantages of nature-based learning are significant, with research indicating that children who engage in outdoor play show better motor skills, balance, and coordination.

• A study published in BMC Public Health confirmed that children who frequently engage in outdoor exploration and unstructured play develop stronger muscles, better endurance, and improved spatial awareness.
• Running, climbing, and navigating uneven terrain in natural environments strengthens gross motor skills, which are essential for later fine motor development (e.g., writing, drawing, and cutting).

For children in Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms, outdoor experiences serve as natural extensions of movement-based learning, allowing them to explore their physical limits without the constraints of desks and chairs.

Emotional & Social Benefits: Nature Reduces Stress and Supports Self-Regulation

Outdoor environments promote emotional well-being, with research highlighting nature’s role in reducing stress and fostering social connections.

• According to a study in Environmental Research, children who spend more time outdoors exhibit lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), suggesting that nature has a direct calming effect.
• Playing in natural settings fosters cooperation, empathy, and conflict resolution skills, as children navigate shared spaces, negotiate roles, and work collaboratively.

Reggio Emilia educators observe children’s interactions in outdoor settings, using their natural curiosity as a guide for discussions on emotions, relationships, and environmental stewardship.

📌Read more: How Art Education Fosters Emotional Intelligence and Empathy in Kids

Reggio Emilia vs. Other Nature-Based Educational Models

Reggio Emilia vs. Scandinavian Forest Schools

Both Reggio Emilia and Scandinavian Forest Schools emphasize child-led exploration and a strong connection to nature, but they differ in how they structure learning and integrate the environment into daily activities.

Scandinavian-style forest schools first emerged in Denmark in the 1950s and have since spread across Sweden, Norway, Germany, the UK, and North America. While the approach varies by region, the core idea remains the same: children learn primarily through outdoor play and hands-on experiences in natural settings. Some programs are fully outdoor, with children spending entire days in forests or other green spaces, while urban adaptations incorporate elements of outdoor education into more traditional school structures.

Regardless of how they are implemented, forest schools are built on the belief that unstructured play in nature fosters resilience, independence, and problem-solving skills.

Similarities Between Reggio Emilia and Forest Schools

• Both value child-led learning, allowing children to explore their surroundings freely.
• Hands-on discovery is key, with educators acting as facilitators rather than direct instructors.
• Both approaches emphasize curiosity, independence, and problem-solving as essential components of learning.

Key Differences

• Reggio Emilia integrates nature into both indoor and outdoor spaces, making it adaptable to urban and rural settings. Classrooms often feature natural materials, plants, and access to outdoor areas, but learning is not exclusively outdoors.
• Forest schools are fully outdoor-based, with children spending most of their time in nature, regardless of the weather. Activities often include shelter-building, tool use, and survival skills, which are not typically part of Reggio-inspired programs.
• Reggio environments evolve based on children’s interests, while forest school routines remain more structured around outdoor immersion.

As nature-based education gains traction, many schools now combine elements of Reggio Emilia and forest school philosophies, creating hybrid models that balance structured indoor learning with immersive outdoor experiences. This reflects a broader shift toward child-centered, environmentally conscious education, where learning extends beyond classroom walls and into the natural world.

Reggio Emilia vs. Montessori’s Prepared Environment

While Montessori and Reggio Emilia share a respect for child-led learning, their approaches to the learning environment and nature differ significantly.

• Montessori classrooms focus on a structured indoor setup, where children engage with specific, pre-designed materials that encourage independent work. Nature is present, but often in the form of wooden tools, plant care, and outdoor time as part of a daily routine.
• Reggio Emilia environments are fluid and evolving, incorporating natural materials, outdoor exploration, and sensory experiences based on children’s interests. Nature is a central, interactive component rather than a supplementary aspect of learning.

For a deeper comparison, check out Reggio Emilia vs. Montessori: Key Differences in Learning Environments. By exploring the nuances between educational approaches, you can gain valuable insights into how different methodologies impact a child’s development. The Reggio Emilia educational philosophy overview highlights the importance of student-led learning and the role of the environment as a crucial component of education. Understanding these differences can help parents and educators make informed decisions about the best learning environments for children.

The Role of Risk and Sensory Learning in Nature Play

Risk-Taking in Reggio Emilia: Encouraging Safe Exploration

Children are natural risk-takers, and the Reggio Emilia approach encourages safe, developmentally appropriate challenges that help build confidence and problem-solving skills. This philosophy promotes exploration and creativity, allowing children to learn through hands-on experiences and interactions with their environment. By adhering to Reggio Emilia teaching principles, educators create a supportive atmosphere where children can engage in meaningful play, fostering their independence and critical thinking. As a result, children not only gain knowledge but also develop resilience and adaptability, essential skills for their future learning journeys.

• Outdoor environments allow children to climb, balance, and explore uneven terrain, strengthening motor coordination.
• Handling natural materials, such as sticks, stones, and water, teaches decision-making and risk assessment in a controlled setting.
• Research suggests that risky outdoor play helps children develop resilience, reducing fearfulness and increasing independence (Source).

Unlike traditional schools, where physical activity is often restricted, Reggio-inspired programs allow children to test their physical limits in a supportive environment, leading to greater self-confidence.

Sensory Engagement: How Nature Supports Early Brain Development

Nature provides rich sensory experiences that stimulate early childhood brain development. Reggio Emilia classrooms and outdoor spaces prioritize direct interaction with natural elements to enhance learning.

• Touch: Playing with mud, sand, bark, and leaves develops fine motor skills and a sense of texture.
• Sight: Observing seasonal changes, shadows, and movement in nature enhances visual processing.
• Smell & Taste: Experiencing fragrances from flowers, soil, and plants builds sensory awareness.
• Hearing: Listening to birdsong, rustling leaves, and water movement sharpens auditory perception.

Many studies have proved that children who engage in sensory-rich natural environments show improved cognitive function and emotional regulation.

Through hands-on interactions with nature, Reggio Emilia students develop a deeper understanding of their surroundings, problem-solving skills, and sensory awareness. This immersive experience encourages curiosity and fosters a lifelong appreciation for the environment. By engaging with natural materials and outdoor spaces, children enhance their creativity and critical thinking abilities. The Reggio Emilia approach curriculum supports this exploration by integrating nature-based learning into daily activities, allowing students to form meaningful connections with the world around them.

📌Read more: The Shift from STEM to STEAM: Why Soft Skills Are Crucial for Your Child’s Education

Outdoor Learning and Climate Awareness

The Reggio Emilia Approach Fosters Environmental Responsibility

From an early age, children in Reggio Emilia-inspired programs are encouraged to respect and care for nature. Rather than learning about environmental conservation through textbooks, they engage in real-world projects that promote sustainability.

Examples of nature-based projects in Reggio Emilia classrooms include:

• Community gardens, where children plant, water, and observe plant growth over time.
• Recycled-material art projects, integrating discarded materials into creative works to teach repurposing.
• Composting initiatives, helping children understand how food waste can return to the earth.

These activities cultivate a sense of environmental responsibility, showing children that their actions have a direct impact on the world around them.

Final Thoughts

The Reggio Emilia approach doesn’t separate nature from learning—it makes it an essential part of the environment, both indoors and out. Unlike forest schools, which take place entirely outdoors, Reggio-inspired classrooms blend nature into daily experiences, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and hands-on discovery. By incorporating natural materials and elements into the learning space, Reggio Emilia classroom design principles foster a connection between children and their surroundings. This seamless integration of nature helps children develop a sense of responsibility for the environment while enhancing their sensory experiences. In this way, the Reggio Emilia approach not only promotes academic growth but also nurtures emotional and social development through exploration and collaboration.

As more schools explore nature-based education, the key takeaway remains the same: children learn best when they can explore the world around them.

How do you incorporate nature into your classroom or home learning? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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