Preschool Community
In a preschool-aged Reggio Emilia Approach classroom, the curriculum is child-centered, flexible, and emergent, meaning it evolves based on the interests, ideas, and experiences of the children. Our approach emphasizes the belief that children are competent learners who build knowledge through exploration, play, and relationships with others. Our curriculum is designed to foster curiosity and creativity, providing children with opportunities to ask questions, explore ideas, and express themselves. When a child shows a particular interest in an area of study, we encourage and assist them to learn more. By asking “Why is a giraffe’s neck so long?” a child and teacher can organically expand on the subject, which can lead to all kinds of exploration.
A key feature of the Reggio Emilia Approach is the environment, which is considered the “third teacher,” meaning that a thoughtfully-designed classroom helps the child learn and grow. The classroom is organized with open-ended materials designed for children to investigate. Our space is designed to encourage both independent exploration and group collaboration, promoting a sense of ownership in students’ learning.
We promote a project-based learning approach, where children dive deeply into topics over time. These long-term projects allow children to investigate, problem-solve, and collaborate with peers, providing opportunities for critical thinking and creativity.
Social learning is a central aspect of the Reggio Emilia Approach curriculum at age three. Children are encouraged to work together, share ideas, and engage in collaborative problem-solving. Teachers facilitate these interactions, guiding children in learning to communicate, cooperate, and resolve conflicts. This process helps children develop important social and emotional skills, such as empathy, respect, and self-regulation.
Documentation is a key practice, where teachers observe and record children’s learning through photographs, videos, and notes. This documentation helps both teachers and children reflect on their progress, identify new interests, and inform future learning. It also allows parents to see the development of their child’s learning journey, fostering a strong connection between home and school.
Teachers in a Reggio Emilia classroom serve as co-learners and guides rather than traditional instructors. They carefully observe children’s needs and interests, providing resources, posing open-ended questions, and facilitating experiences that support exploration. The goal is to empower children to take ownership of their learning, while teachers offer gentle guidance and provide opportunities for growth. Creative expression plays a vital role in this approach, with children encouraged to communicate through various "languages," including art, music, dance, and dramatic play. This fosters creativity, fine motor development, and language skills while allowing children to express their ideas and emotions in diverse ways.
​​​At the heart of the Reggio Emilia Approach is a deep respect for the child as a competent, active learner. Teachers honor children’s thoughts, ideas, and contributions, seeing them as partners in the learning process. This respect is also reflected in the classroom, where children's work is displayed and celebrated, reinforcing their sense of value and autonomy. Through this approach, preschool-aged children develop critical thinking, social skills, and emotional intelligence, building a foundation for lifelong learning and growth.