In the modern world of elementary education, there are many options available to parents and their children. One of the schools growing in popularity and preference, is based on the Reggio Emilia approach. If you are interested in a Reggio Emilia environment for your child, but hoping to learn more about it, you are in the right place.
Reggio Emilia inspired schools offer an alternative, child-centered approach to learning. Many parents see it as the best fit for their child – but is it the best fit for yours? Below, we outline all you need to know about this educational approach, so that you can weigh the pros and cons of Reggio Emilia and make the best possible decision for your child. Here are a few key characteristics of a Reggio Emilia school to keep in mind as you consider your next step.
Curriculum:
Unlike traditional elementary schools where the curriculum is extremely structured, a Reggio Emilia curriculum is flexible, hands-on, and largely interest-based. This approach allows children to guide their own learning experiences, based on their passions, interests, thoughts, and observations. The purpose of the Reggio Emilia approach is to empower children to take pride in their own education, so that they have positive experiences in the classroom and feel passionate to continue to learn and explore. Children participate in hands-on activities that encourage collaboration and problem-solving, both in the classroom and beyond. Teachers provide resources for each child to explore their interests and curiosities, whether that be in nature, art, books, music, building, or other areas of the classroom.
The Reggio Emilia learning approach, however, may not be the right fit for every child. Children who benefit from more structure in the classroom, may thrive in an environment where the curriculum is set and guided by the teachers. The curriculum and independent learning style is something important to consider when looking at the pros and cons of Reggio Emilia.
Environment:
The classroom environment plays a huge role in a child’s educational experience. So, let’s look at the pros and cons of the Reggio Emilia environment. The Reggio environment is equipped to support its flexible, hands-on curriculum. Riverside Magnet School in East Hartford, for example, is an elementary school that uses the Reggio Emilia approach – and the learning environment reflects this learning method to facilitate growth. At Riverside Magnet, state-of-the-art classrooms are set up with resources and materials, like costumes, music, art supplies and other creative materials that encourage and empower children to take control of their learning. The classrooms at Riverside Magnet are also equipped with innovative technology like computers and smarts boards to support different and evolving learning styles, and to help children actively participate in their education.
Diversity:
Another one of the pros and cons of the Reggio Emilia and magnet school environment to keep in mind is the diversity of the student body. Inter-district magnet schools, like Riverside Magnet School, are unique in that they bring together students from different races, socio-economic backgrounds, and achievement levels regardless of their zip code. The diverse student body can be extremely beneficial to children as they grow, encouraging empathy, respect, acceptance, understanding, and collaboration amongst classmates.
As with all educational institutions, there are always benefits and challenges that need to be considered when deciding the best fit for our children. When weighing out the pros and cons of Reggio Emilia, consider the future of your child and if the benefits of a Reggio Emilia school will continue to support your child’s future success.
If you are interested in learning more about the Reggio Emilia inspired approach at Riverside Magnet School, simply contact our team or attend a parent information session.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.
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FAQs
This child-led approach also has drawbacks, as you can't consistently see the results of learning. The emergent curriculum means that children learn on a different timeline than mainstream schools and can seem disorganized.
What are the criticism of Reggio Emilia schools? ›
In the United States, Reggio Emilia-inspired schools are primarily private and too expensive for many families. Also, many of these schools are spaces with predominantly white families and educators, which can feel jarring for children of color.
What makes the Reggio Emilia program different from most other preschool programs? ›
Emergent Curriculum
The Reggio Emilia Approach develops a curriculum based on the interests and experiences of the children. Teachers observe and document children's activities, interests and questions, and adjust the curriculum accordingly.
What is the weakness of Reggio Emilia approach? ›
The weakness point in Montessori and Reggio Emilia Curriculum: There are some weakness point in Reggio Emilia approach such as this approach puts a lot of emphasis on the importance of large space as is considered educational, Reggio Emilia schools are found in wealthy countries and are attended by children from ...
What are the challenges of Reggio Emilia? ›
The challenges of implementing the Reggio Emilia approach in schools include the need for trained atelieristas, time for in-depth projects, and meticulous documentation of children's work.
Which is better Montessori or Reggio Emilia? ›
Both promote self-guided learning. Reggio Emilia focuses more on collaborative learning whereas Montessori focuses on independent learning. Reggio Emilia classrooms are more flexible and open-ended whereas Montessori areas are more structured.
Is Reggio Emilia developmentally appropriate? ›
Reggio Emilia, a constructivist-based early childhood philosophy that originated in Northern Italy, has been shown to be an excellent model to facilitate optimum learning in young children.
How does Reggio compare to Montessori? ›
Montessori teachers act as directors of education. The Reggio Emilia approach groups children in traditional age ranges (year by year), whereas Montessori sees children working in classrooms with those of multiple similar ages (typically within a 3-year range).
What curriculum does Reggio Emilia use? ›
The Reggio Emilia approach is characterized by its emergent curriculum, which evolves based on the children's interests. It is project-based and integrates documentation as a means of tracking and evaluating children's learning experiences.
Why is Reggio Emilia the best? ›
Unlike traditional elementary schools where the curriculum is extremely structured, a Reggio Emilia curriculum is flexible, hands-on, and largely interest-based. This approach allows children to guide their own learning experiences, based on their passions, interests, thoughts, and observations.
Traditional schools adhere to rigid schedules and activities are usually done the same way and at the same time. The Reggio Emilia approach takes a much more child-centered approach, with kids exploring topics that interest and excite them, not what is dictated on a curriculum.
Is the Reggio Emilia approach good? ›
The Reggio Emilia Approach is an innovative and inspiring approach to early childhood education, valuing the child as strong, capable and resilient; rich with wonder and knowledge.
What does a Reggio Emilia school look like? ›
In a traditional Reggio classroom, you would find an atelier (creative expression area), loose parts, a sensory/sand play area, building area, writing center, math/numbers center, and a meeting area (in the larger school setting, this is called a piazza).
Is Reggio Emilia evidence-based? ›
about the Reggio Emilia approach (most being published by Reggio children) little or no empirical research examines the links between a child's participation in the schools and their trajectory in life.
How is traditional classroom different from Reggio Emilia? ›
The physical environment in which children learn is of utmost importance, and needs to foster community and exploration. In a traditional school setting, each classroom is independent and separate. The Reggio Emilia approach thinks of every classroom as integrated into the school as a whole.
Why Reggio is better than Montessori? ›
Reggio Emilia classrooms are more flexible and open-ended whereas Montessori areas are more structured. Reggio Emilia teachers are seen as partners and guides whereas Montessori teachers are seen as directors. Reggio Emilia groups children by traditional age ranges whereas Montessori groups multiple ages together.
How are Reggio Emilia classrooms different from traditional classrooms? ›
Unlike traditional elementary schools where the curriculum is extremely structured, a Reggio Emilia curriculum is flexible, hands-on, and largely interest-based. This approach allows children to guide their own learning experiences, based on their passions, interests, thoughts, and observations.
