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5 Top Reasons To Consider A Reggio Emilia Preschool For Your Child’s Early Education
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Quick Summary
As more emphasis are placed on Early childhood education these days, so are the diversity and variant of education approaches available in Malaysia. One of the more popular ones, alongside Montessori, is the Reggio Emilia approach. Here are 5 top reasons why Reggio Emilia schools are popular amongst parents:
(1) Reggio Emilia is a child-centred approach. They recognises that every child is different, and allow them to direct their own learning experiences.
(2) Emphasis on critical thinking & creativity. Young children are given the tools to express and themselves through art & other materials, which are opportunities to grow their imagination.
(3) Strong emphasis on parental engagement. The Reggio Emilia approach emphasize on parental collaboration and also learning at home. They strive to create a seamless learning environment at school, as well as at home with the help of parents.
(4) Flexible teaching methods. Reggio Emilia school are flexible and adjust accordingly to what a child need when it comes to learning and care.
(5) Environment as a third teacher. Reggio Emilia school place heavy emphasis on the learning environment as they believe a conducive environment is important for a child
(1) Reggio Emilia is a child-centred approach. They recognises that every child is different, and allow them to direct their own learning experiences.
(2) Emphasis on critical thinking & creativity. Young children are given the tools to express and themselves through art & other materials, which are opportunities to grow their imagination.
(3) Strong emphasis on parental engagement. The Reggio Emilia approach emphasize on parental collaboration and also learning at home. They strive to create a seamless learning environment at school, as well as at home with the help of parents.
(4) Flexible teaching methods. Reggio Emilia school are flexible and adjust accordingly to what a child need when it comes to learning and care.
(5) Environment as a third teacher. Reggio Emilia school place heavy emphasis on the learning environment as they believe a conducive environment is important for a child
Foreword: Reggio Emilia - The founder of this approach and the 100 languages of a child
The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education was founded by Loris Malaguzzi, an Italian educator and psychologist, who developed the approach in the city of Reggio Emilia, Italy, in the 1940s and 1950s.
He first tested different methodology and ideas of his on Early childhood education approaches in various holiday camps. And these became the foundation of Reggio Emilia approach and had evolve itself throughout the years to what we know of it today.
One significant part of the Reggio Emilia approach is also the 100 languages of a child. Loris Malaguzzi believe that a child have 100 ways to express itself, through hand gesture, or voice, or thoughts and yet, most schools take away 99 away from them. They tell them what not to think, what not to do etc. And that is simply not right.
To be honest, it’s not hard to see why more and more parents in Malaysia come to taken a liking in the Reggio Emilia approach and here are top 5 reasons for it:
He first tested different methodology and ideas of his on Early childhood education approaches in various holiday camps. And these became the foundation of Reggio Emilia approach and had evolve itself throughout the years to what we know of it today.
One significant part of the Reggio Emilia approach is also the 100 languages of a child. Loris Malaguzzi believe that a child have 100 ways to express itself, through hand gesture, or voice, or thoughts and yet, most schools take away 99 away from them. They tell them what not to think, what not to do etc. And that is simply not right.
To be honest, it’s not hard to see why more and more parents in Malaysia come to taken a liking in the Reggio Emilia approach and here are top 5 reasons for it:
Reason #1 : Reggio Emilia is a child-centred approach
They recognise that every child is unique
The Reggio Emilia approach recognizes the child as an active and capable learner who has the right to express themselves and be heard. This approach places the child at the center of the learning process, and emphasizes the importance of the child’s interests, abilities, and needs in shaping the curriculum.
For example, if a child feel more comfortable learning maths or counting via their fingers, or a puzzles, or by stacking cups – these are all welcomed in a Reggio Emilia school.
In a Reggio Emilia approach school, teachers merely serve as a guidance and highly encourages children to express and explore their natural curiosity via art, music, drama, writing and more.
These helps them to explore and make sense out of the world via their way and make learning way more fun.
Reggio Emilia teaches parents to trust their child more
Many parents fear that a young child is not capable to know what he or she should learn at school but that should not be a concern at all. Young children is just like a piece of new, white A4 size paper. It could be dyed into a color of blue, green or even red in the future.
It could be full of notes on science, chemistry or doodles/ art on shapes, figures or more. But the important point is, parents should allow and trust that the child will navigate it ways through their own interest and curiosity. Because they are capable to do so.
It could be full of notes on science, chemistry or doodles/ art on shapes, figures or more. But the important point is, parents should allow and trust that the child will navigate it ways through their own interest and curiosity. Because they are capable to do so.
Reason #2 : Reggio Emilia emphasize on building critical thinking skills and creativity
Through Project-based learning, open-ended project
While Reggio Emilia approach is child-centred, teachers also uses various strategy such as project-based learning and open-ended project to train up the critical thinking skills and creativity of young children.
Reggio Emilia schools are known to encourage young children to link knowledge they gathered throughout different subjects and see the connections between each of them. For example, why do they need to wash hand to keep the bacteria away and how soap can keep the bacteria away from them by using the ” germ science experiment.”
Empowering young children to explore is the key
This approach in the long run, allow young children to feed their curiosity by learning how to discover answers on their own. And also empowering them and letting them know that it’s okay to explore. It’s okay to ask questions. It’s alright to not know things and ask for help.
Reason #3 : Strong emphasis on parental engagement
Reggio Emilia believes education goes on at home as well
Reggio Emilia approach recognizes that parents are partners in the education and upbringing of a young child. Schools with this approach encourages parents to be actively involved in their child’s education through regular communication with teachers, participation in school activities, and volunteering in the classroom.
For example, teachers might hold regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss the child’s progress, and involve parents in the planning and evaluation of the child’s education. Additionally, teachers might also invite parents to participate in classroom activities, such as reading to the class or helping with a project, which allows them to see their child in a different light and strengthens the parent-child relationship.
Another example is the use of “parent-child workshops” where parents and children learn and explore together, this not only allows parents to be more involved in their child’s learning, but it also helps parents to understand and appreciate their child’s strengths and interests.
For example, teachers might hold regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss the child’s progress, and involve parents in the planning and evaluation of the child’s education. Additionally, teachers might also invite parents to participate in classroom activities, such as reading to the class or helping with a project, which allows them to see their child in a different light and strengthens the parent-child relationship.
Another example is the use of “parent-child workshops” where parents and children learn and explore together, this not only allows parents to be more involved in their child’s learning, but it also helps parents to understand and appreciate their child’s strengths and interests.
Parents involvement in Their Child's learning goes a long way
Young children won’t always remember what happened in preschool when they grow up, or who they met, what they did. But they will always remember an art project they worked together with their friends or family members, it’s a small gesture like that which spark their interest in learning. So parents, spend more time with your little ones!
Reason #4: Flexible teaching methods
Safe haven for children to be children
Alongside project-based learning, or open-ended questions methodology that Reggio Emilia schools adopt. A teacher also engages the young children with hands-on activities to meet the needs of different learners in the classroom.
Another example is the use of “Atelier” or art studio, where children have access to a wide range of art materials and tools, and are encouraged to explore, experiment, and express themselves through art. The Atelier is staffed by a trained art teacher who provides children with guidance and support as they work. They then observe children’s interest and adapt the curriculum accordingly, this allows them to provide children with a more personalized education.
When it comes to evaluation and assessment, Reggio Emilia school also do not solely look at score. They organise events like “graduation concert” or “year end project” to properly let the young children express what they have learned throughout the years.
Another example is the use of “Atelier” or art studio, where children have access to a wide range of art materials and tools, and are encouraged to explore, experiment, and express themselves through art. The Atelier is staffed by a trained art teacher who provides children with guidance and support as they work. They then observe children’s interest and adapt the curriculum accordingly, this allows them to provide children with a more personalized education.
When it comes to evaluation and assessment, Reggio Emilia school also do not solely look at score. They organise events like “graduation concert” or “year end project” to properly let the young children express what they have learned throughout the years.
Reggio Emilia school adapts their curriculum to a child's need
Some parents would absolutely love this as the school help to build up what a certain child lacks of or need help with. But there are also parents where they hope the school can be more curriculum-based and help their child get ready for primary school.
None of them are wrong, it just depends on what you truly want for your child.
None of them are wrong, it just depends on what you truly want for your child.
Reason #5: Environment as a third teacher
A conducive environment is essential for young children to grow up happily
The Reggio Emilia approach views the environment as a “third teacher” – an integral part of the learning process that can enhance children’s learning and development. The physical environment is seen as an extension of the curriculum, and is carefully planned and designed to support children’s learning and development.
For example, a classroom might be designed with different learning areas, such as a reading corner, a science area, and an art area, to support children’s exploration and discovery. The classroom is also designed to be visually pleasing and stimulating, with natural light, plants, and artwork that reflects the interests and culture of the children.
Another example is the use of outdoor spaces, such as gardens, playgrounds, and natural areas, which provide children with opportunities to explore and discover the natural world. These outdoor spaces are designed to be safe and accessible, and are equipped with materials that encourage children to explore, experiment, and play.
For example, a classroom might be designed with different learning areas, such as a reading corner, a science area, and an art area, to support children’s exploration and discovery. The classroom is also designed to be visually pleasing and stimulating, with natural light, plants, and artwork that reflects the interests and culture of the children.
Another example is the use of outdoor spaces, such as gardens, playgrounds, and natural areas, which provide children with opportunities to explore and discover the natural world. These outdoor spaces are designed to be safe and accessible, and are equipped with materials that encourage children to explore, experiment, and play.
Conclusion
Like what we always say, being a good parent doesn’t mean you have to spend lots of money on your child and always shower them with gifts. But instead, take interest to understand what truly helps a child to grow up happily and make effort to understand what they need.
At ABCJunior, we help parents to identify and select providers that are suited for their child based on their child’s requirement on care and education. Remember, the right school doesn’t have to be the most expensive ones, but it should be the one that suits your child the most.
At ABCJunior, we help parents to identify and select providers that are suited for their child based on their child’s requirement on care and education. Remember, the right school doesn’t have to be the most expensive ones, but it should be the one that suits your child the most.
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