The Reggio Emilia approach to childcare is one that is world renowned. This approach is used for preschool childcare all over the world. When you look at this approach it is best to know what Reggio Emilia is all about. It is a good idea to know what the curriculum with this approach is.

What is the Reggio Emilia Approach?

The Reggio Emilia Approach is the name given to a preschool programme which started in the city of Reggio Emilia in Italy. There are certain principles that this approach is based on that you should be aware of.

– Children need to be able to learn through experience.

– Children should have some control over the direction of their learning.

– Children should have endless opportunities and ways of expressing themselves.

– Children should be allowed to explore their relationship with other children and material objects.

The natural development of the child is very important in this approach to childcare. Parents are considered vital when going with this approach. Parents are seen as the child’s first teacher and will be partners, advocates and collaborators for their children.

What is included in Reggio Emilia Curriculum?

The Reggio Emilia curriculum is an emergent curriculum. This means that the curriculum is built up around the interests of the child. Study topics are found through talking to the child, from known interests the child has as well as family and community events. Teachers will have to work together in order to formulate where a project is heading, what materials will be needed and if parental support and involvement will be needed.

Projects are often a fixture in these curriculums. Projects will arise from the interests within a group. Projects can last for a week or through the school year. During the projects students will look at interests in depth and study different aspects of the interest. The teacher will be in charge of helping the children make decisions on the direction of the project and how the end result is showcased.

What is the difference between Reggio Emilia Ireland and Montessori?

The real question that you may be asking yourself is what is the difference between Reggio Emilia Ireland and Montessori schools? It is believed that Reggio Emilia has been influenced by the Montessori approach. The Montessori approach is viewed as having materials which teach the children and they have a definitive outcome. The teacher in this approach would not be co-constructors of knowledge. With Reggio Emilia the approach is influenced by the environment, relationship with other people and the materials. One thing you should be aware of is that the Reggio Emilia Approach at this time is only for preschool and not future schooling.

Finding out whether your childcare provider practices the Reggio Emilia Approach is important. This approach is recognised world-wide but needs to be done correctly to be effective.

There are a few of the renowned childcare and Education methods such as Montessori, High Scope, Reggio Emilia and Centre of Excellence and it\’s up to each cr