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Here at My World Child Care our educators offer thoughtful care for your children using the world-renowned Reggio Emilia approach. This approach offers a philosophy that emphasises the importance of community, environment, and the individual learner's role in the educational process. It challenges us to view children as competent, resourceful beings capable of influencing their learning journey.
As we delve further into Reggio Emilia, we uncover not just a method of education but a profound way to view the world through the eyes of our youngest learners.
The roots of the Reggio Emilia approach are found in the rich cultural and historical landscape of post-World War II Italy. In the city of Reggio Emilia, a community-driven movement led by educator Loris Malaguzzi and a group of parents sought to create a new form of education that would reflect the values of respect, responsibility, and community.
It was a response not only to the desire for educational reform but also to a broader aspiration for social renewal.
At its core, the philosophy of the Reggio Emilia approach posits that children can construct their own learning experiences. This perspective views the child as a 'rich' individual, full of potential, curiosity, and the capacity for negotiation in the social context. It's a philosophy that respects the child's voice and sees the learning process as a journey of discovery and co-construction of knowledge.
This approach also emphasises the significance of relationships in the learning environment, including the relationships between children, teachers, parents, and the wider community.
It advocates for an interconnected learning ecosystem where each participant contributes to and benefits from the educational experience. This foundation sets the stage for a dynamic, collaborative approach to early childhood education.
The Reggio Emilia approach is anchored in a set of key principles that guide its practice. These principles are not prescriptive but rather serve as a framework for understanding the approach and applying it in various educational contexts.
First among these is the image of the child as competent, capable, and full of potential. This principle challenges educators to see beyond traditional assumptions about children's abilities and to foster an environment that encourages exploration and expression.
Another foundational principle is the environment as the third teacher. In this approach, the physical and social environment is carefully designed to encourage curiosity and discovery. Every element, from the layout of the classroom to the materials available for exploration, is thoughtfully chosen to support the children's learning journey.
The Reggio approach also places a strong emphasis on the role of documentation in the learning process. Through detailed observations and the collection of children's work, educators can gain insights into the children's thinking, reflect on the educational process, and plan future learning experiences.
We’re passionate about excellent early childhood education for all of our Perth childcare centres. We understand that our educators play a crucial role, not only as providers of knowledge but as co-learners and facilitators of the children's explorations.
Applying the Reggio perspective, our childcare staff engage in thoughtful observation, listen attentively to the children's ideas, and provide materials and opportunities that extend their inquiry and learning. This responsive, respectful stance towards children's learning processes exemplifies the Reggio approach in action.
Reggio teachers are committed to ongoing professional development and learning. They participate in discussions, workshops, and collaborative projects, continuously seeking ways to enhance their understanding and practice. This commitment to professional growth reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of the Reggio Emilia approach.
The environment, often referred to as the third teacher, plays a crucial role in the Reggio Emilia approach. It is designed to be a reflective and interactive space that responds to the children's interests and needs.
The layout, materials, and overall ambiance of the classroom are carefully considered to promote exploration, discovery, and a sense of belonging.
Natural materials and resources are prominently featured, reflecting a commitment to connecting children with the natural world. These materials are selected for their sensory qualities and potential to inspire inquiry and creativity. The environment also showcases the children's work, highlighting the value placed on their ideas and expressions.
At our Perth childcare centres, you’ll notice that it is intentionally designed to be inviting and stimulating. Classrooms are filled with natural light, and materials are organised and accessible, inviting exploration and experimentation. The arrangement of space is flexible, reflecting the dynamic nature of the learning process and the value placed on children's ability to influence their environment.
Documentation is a cornerstone of the Reggio Emilia approach, serving multiple purposes in the learning process. It makes learning visible, allowing children, teachers, and parents to reflect on and celebrate the children's experiences and discoveries. Through photographs, videos, and displays of children's work, the learning journey is documented and shared, creating a rich narrative of the educational process.
Documentation also serves as a tool for assessment and planning. By analysing the children's activities and interactions, teachers gain insights into their interests, understandings, and needs. This information guides the planning of future learning experiences, ensuring they are responsive to the children's evolving interests and questions.
This portfolio of the child’s learning experiences can also foster a sense of community and collaboration. It invites dialogue among children, teachers, and parents, encouraging a shared engagement in the learning process.
This collaborative approach to education strengthens the connections within the learning community and reinforces the value placed on each participant's contributions.
Throughout our Perth childcare centres, you’ll find that parents are regularly updated with photos and videos, as well as written summaries of how your child is interacting with peers and learning experiences.
In traditional settings, the environment and materials may be seen as secondary to the curriculum. However, in Reggio-inspired settings, they are integral to the learning process, designed to stimulate curiosity and exploration. Similarly, while traditional education may rely on predetermined assessments, the Reggio approach uses documentation as a dynamic tool for reflection and planning.
These contrasts highlight the transformative potential of adopting a Reggio-inspired approach. By valuing the child's voice, fostering collaboration, and embracing a holistic view of education, we can create early learning environments for Perth kids that nurture creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning.
The Reggio Emilia approach invites us to reimagine the possibilities of early childhood education. It challenges us to see children as capable collaborators in their learning journey, to value the role of the environment and documentation, and to embrace a holistic, community-oriented approach to education. As we explore and implement its principles, we uncover not just a method of teaching but a way of thinking about learning, growth, and the potential within each child.
Visit your nearest child care centre in Perth to experience the Reggio Emilia approach in action and discover how we can create a world of possibilities for our youngest learners. Our team is available to connect with you and answer any questions you may have!
My World Child Care centres are available throughout Perth, Western Australia. Find us in Armadale, Seville Grove, Midvale, Waikiki, Rockingham.
