REGGIO EMILIA
At Elmhurst Prep, the Reggio Emilia approach is at the heart of everything we do. This child-centered philosophy honors each child as capable, curious, and full of potential. We design learning experiences around their interests, questions, and ideas fostering confidence, creativity, and critical thinking.
WHAT IS REGGIO EMILIA?
Reggio Emilia is an educational philosophy that was started in Reggio Emilia, Italy, shortly after WWII. It was developed by Loris Malaguzzi, a humanitarian and educator, alongside a group of parents, with the purpose of empowering children to take ownership of their learning experience. The Reggio philosophy is a constructivist learning theory, based on the image of the child and their potential to construct and build knowledge in their own unique way.
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We view children as active constructors of knowledge. Their voices, choices, and perspectives guide the direction of the project learning.
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Children express themselves in countless ways through art, storytelling, music, movement, building, questioning, and imaginative play.
Our role is to provide the tools and opportunities that allow these “hundred languages” to flourish.
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Our educators observe closely, ask thoughtful questions, and scaffold learning.
Teachers create an environment full of discovery based on the children’s interests, and they continuously evolve the environment.
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Our classrooms are intentionally designed to invite exploration.
You’ll find natural materials, open-ended resources, cozy gathering spaces, and areas dedicated to art, science, building, and dramatic play. Every detail supports curiosity, collaboration, and creativity.
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Documenting children’s daily experiences and ongoing projects gives meaning and identity to all that the children do. It is through the documentation that the teachers are able to evaluate and exchange their findings to brainstorm changes to the environment and the direction of the project learning. It also allows the children and families to reflect on the learning in the classroom.
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Parents are encouraged to participate and share their interests with the school community by contributing: resources, knowledge, time, or skills.
