A Critique - Reggio Emilia Approach a Educational Philosophy

REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH A EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY I fully support the Reggio Emilia Approach model which was found by Loris Malaguzzi. This model became associated with mainstream educational practices in 1945 when the first parent-run preschool of the common people opened in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy focused on preschool and primary education. The destruction from the war, parents believed, necessitated a new, quick approach to teaching their children. I enjoy the fact that this is a child –centered educational program that features working with art. In the Reggio Emilia School, children are viewed as powerful and capable. Children are validated as unique individuals within a social group. They are provided space and time to work alone and in small groups and also to come together as a community. Reggio Emilia teachers embody a collaborative spirit by working together as a center wide team and with the families, their environment and materials are valued and provided through active interaction and open dialogue. Collaborations between school staff and parents are firmly ingrained in the school culture and parents are viewed valuable resources and support. Parents are routinely welcomed to the center for open-house events and are continually participating in project activities. In essence, children are really encouraged to look at, and really see, their world. The Reggio Emilia Approach model was felt to be very important in the early years of the development of children, since that is when they are forming who they will be as individuals. This led to a program that was created based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community through exploration and discovery in a very supportive and enriching environment based on the interests of the children through a self-guided curriculum. The Reggio Emilia philosophy is based upon the following set of principles: *