10/28/11 - Institute teaching partners visit Atlanta school using Reggio Emilia approach

Twenty-four teaching partners from the Siskin Early Learning Centers visited Saint Anne's Day School in Atltanta in late October to learn more about the school's implementation and success using the Reggio Emilia approach. In the last couple of years, the Institute has been adopting features of the Reggio Emilia approach at both of its Early Leanring Centers.

Reggio Emilia is a small city in northern Italy. It is recognized internationally because of the innovative approach used to educate young children. The Reggio Emilia approach is based on the belief that children learn best when expressing themselves through multiple mediums—using words, drawing, painting, building, sculpting, making collages, pretending, making music and so on. Learning is active and requires movement. Learning happens when children explore their environment; therefore, the environment must be interesting and offer open opportunities for individual expression. The Reggio Emilia approach features an emerging curriculum (as opposed to a rigid curriculum); light, natural learning environments; respecting children as researchers and teachers as their co-researchers; inclusion of children with “special rights”; meaningful partnerships with families; and bonds with the community.