The concept of the ‘100 Languages of Children’ is a cornerstone of the Reggio Emilia approach. It refers to the countless ways children express themselves and make sense of the world around them. These ‘languages’ include not only spoken words, but also drawing, movement, music, storytelling, dramatic play, sculpture, dance and much more.
Children are natural communicators – they explore, represent and understand ideas through multiple forms of expression. The ‘100 Languages’ philosophy recognises that every child has a unique voice and that learning environments should provide space for those voices to be heard, seen and celebrated. Read more about how we support diverse expressions here.
In a Reggio Emilia-inspired setting, the classroom is designed as a place of possibility. The physical space plays a key role in supporting the ‘100 Languages’. Classrooms feature natural light, open-ended materials and accessible spaces that invite exploration and creativity.
A light table might be used to explore colour, shape and shadow, allowing children to experiment and manipulate materials with fascination. The atelier – or studio space – becomes a central hub for painting, sculpting and mixed-media work, encouraging children to represent their ideas in tactile, expressive ways. Mirrors and fabrics invite sensory engagement, while natural objects such as shells, stones and leaves provoke curiosity and storytelling. Carefully placed provocations throughout the room are designed to spark wonder, encouraging children to observe, imagine and create.
Every corner is designed to offer opportunities for expression, problem-solving and communication. The environment becomes a third teacher, supporting children as they use different modes of learning to engage with the world. This approach also supports collaborative learning and social development among peers.
Children don’t separate learning from expressing. In fact, they learn through expression. When a child builds a tower and explains why it’s taller than yesterday’s, or draws a picture to show what made them happy that morning, they are processing complex ideas, emotions and connections.
The ‘100 Languages’ allow children to make sense of their experiences in ways that feel natural and meaningful to them. This fosters deeper engagement, confidence and ownership of learning. It also encourages critical thinking, collaboration and creativity.
Some children are verbal, others communicate more easily through movement, drawing or music. The Reggio Emilia approach values and respects all of these equally. Rather than expecting children to conform to one way of learning, it provides multiple pathways for success.
Educators in Reggio classrooms act as researchers and co-learners. They carefully observe how children interact with their environment, document their discoveries, and extend learning based on the children’s interests and modes of expression.
This responsive approach allows children to feel seen and understood, fostering a sense of belonging and agency.
Learning doesn’t happen in isolation. When children use the ‘100 Languages’ to share their thoughts, ideas and feelings, they also build relationships. Whether it’s a group mural, a dance performance or a shared construction project, these collaborative experiences build empathy and social understanding.
Classroom environments that encourage shared projects and multi-modal learning naturally support teamwork. Children learn to negotiate, listen, compromise and celebrate different perspectives. These are the very skills that lay the foundation for healthy social and emotional development.
At Evoke Early Learning, the ‘100 Languages of Children’ is more than a philosophy – it’s visible in everything we do. Our learning spaces are intentionally designed to support a wide range of creative, verbal, physical and visual communication. Educators document children’s voices through photos, learning journals and displays that honour their ideas.
Children gain confidence in their own expressive abilities as they explore a variety of materials, revisit their ideas and share their thinking with others. This builds strong communication and critical thinking skills, while fostering a deep and lasting love of learning.
We invite you to book a tour at our Albert Park or Clayton centres and experience firsthand how our environments and educators champion each child’s voice, creativity and development.
Executive function refers to a set of mental processes that help individuals plan, focus attention, remember instructions and juggle multiple tasks successfully. In toddlers, this might look like waiting their turn, following simple routines or focusing on a task for a short period of time. These skills don't come naturally – they're learned and developed through interactions, experiences and consistent support.
The early years are a prime window for laying the foundations of executive function. During this time, the brain undergoes rapid development, forming vital neural connections in response to external stimuli. That’s why early learning environments play a powerful role in helping children build these essential life skills.
Strong executive function skills are linked to long-term success in both academic and social settings. When children develop the ability to regulate their behaviour, manage emotions and solve problems, they are better equipped to navigate everyday challenges. From negotiating play with peers to learning how to wait patiently, these small moments build towards a resilient and capable learner.
Without these foundational skills, children may struggle with impulse control, transitioning between activities or resolving conflict. That’s why it’s important to provide consistent opportunities to practise and refine executive function skills from an early age.
The Reggio Emilia philosophy is well suited to supporting the development of executive function in toddlers. At its heart, the approach values the child as competent, curious and capable of directing their own learning. Educators act as guides, creating environments and provocations that stimulate thinking and engagement.
Reggio-inspired classrooms are intentionally designed to promote exploration and self-regulation. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their choices, work collaboratively with others and revisit projects over time – all of which support goal-setting, planning and flexible thinking.
To see how this connects with broader cognitive development, you may also be interested in our article on Reggio Emilia and Critical Thinking.
Play-based learning is central to the Reggio Emilia approach, and it is also one of the most effective ways to support executive function. When children engage in imaginative play or work on long-term projects, they practise holding ideas in their mind, controlling impulses and shifting between ideas or perspectives.
For example, building a tall structure with blocks requires planning, cooperation and emotional regulation when it topples. Acting out a story or role-playing with peers encourages them to take on new perspectives, adapt plans, and problem-solve collaboratively.
This type of play helps develop working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility – three core components of executive function. These aren’t just academic skills – they are essential for life.
A Reggio Emilia classroom is thoughtfully designed to promote independence and decision-making. Materials are carefully chosen to be open-ended and accessible, sparking curiosity and engagement.
Natural and tactile resources – such as wooden blocks, clay, loose parts and recycled materials – invite exploration and perseverance. The layout encourages children to move freely, make choices and return to their work over time. This builds focus, persistence and a sense of ownership over their learning.
You can see how these environments also support multiple ways of thinking and expressing ideas by reading our blog on The Hundred Languages of Children.
Educators and caregivers play a vital part in nurturing executive function skills. This includes modelling calm and intentional behaviour, narrating problem-solving processes aloud, and encouraging reflection on past actions and outcomes.
Asking open-ended questions like “What do you think might happen next?” or “How could we solve this together?” helps children practise flexible thinking. Giving them opportunities to make choices, take (supported) risks and persist through challenges also builds confidence and independence.
Consistent scaffolding – offering just enough support to succeed without taking over – allows children to stretch their thinking and learn through experience.
Developing executive function skills in early childhood lays the foundation for success far beyond the preschool years. At Evoke Early Learning, we understand how vital this development is. Our toddler and kindergarten programs provide rich, engaging experiences that encourage children to think, plan, regulate and reflect.
If you’d like to learn more about how we nurture resilient, capable learners, we invite you to book a tour at our Albert Park or Clayton centres. You can also explore our article on Fostering Emotional Resilience to see how these life skills connect and grow together.
Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is a vital guide for early childhood educators, focusing on holistic development, wellbeing, and learning outcomes. At Evoke Early Learning, our adoption of the Reggio Emilia early learning centre approach seamlessly aligns with EYLF goals, providing a rich, meaningful curriculum that nurtures every child.
The EYLF outlines five key learning outcomes that focus on identity, community, wellbeing, learning, and communication. It promotes play-based learning and the development of confident, involved learners.
Further Reading: All You Need to Know About the Early Years Learning Framework
Both frameworks value child agency, exploration, and relationship-based learning. The Reggio Emilia early learning centre approach adds depth by emphasizing creativity, collaboration, and inquiry-led experiences.
Further Reading:
Reggio Emilia early learning centres are intentionally designed to be engaging and reflective of children's learning. Natural materials and open-ended resources invite creativity and interaction, supporting EYLF’s emphasis on responsive learning spaces.
Further Reading:
Creative expression is central in both Reggio and EYLF frameworks. The atelier encourages children to explore identity, emotion, and ideas through art and media, supporting emotional and cognitive growth.
Further Reading:
Reggio Emilia’s flexible approach allows educators to tailor learning experiences to each child’s needs, aligning with EYLF’s commitment to inclusive education.
Further Reading: Reggio Emilia for All: Adapting the Approach for Diverse Learners
Ongoing documentation in Reggio Emilia aligns with EYLF’s focus on assessment for learning, providing a deeper understanding of each child’s journey and informing future planning.
Further Reading: The Reggio Emilia Approach and Why It Benefits Your Child
“Our daughter thrives at Evoke. The educators are thoughtful and truly listen to her interests. It’s incredible to see how the curriculum adapts to support her growth while aligning with national standards.” – Parent review from Google, Albert Park Centre
By integrating the Reggio Emilia early learning centre philosophy with EYLF principles, Evoke Early Learning offers a holistic, future-ready curriculum. Our commitment ensures that each child is seen, heard, and supported in their learning journey.
If you're located near our childcare centres in Melbourne, we invite you to discover how Reggio Emilia and EYLF come together to create a truly exceptional early learning experience.
We’d love to welcome you to see this approach in action.
1. What are the main similarities between EYLF and the Reggio Emilia approach?
Both emphasize child agency, relationships, learning through play, and environments that nurture exploration and growth.
2. How does Reggio Emilia support the EYLF learning outcomes?
Reggio Emilia naturally supports EYLF’s five outcomes by providing experiences that foster identity, wellbeing, learning confidence, community connection, and communication skills.
3. Can Reggio Emilia be adapted to meet Australian educational standards?
Yes. Reggio Emilia’s principles are highly adaptable and align well with EYLF’s learning goals, making it an effective framework for Australian early childhood settings.
4. Is Reggio Emilia inclusive for children with additional needs?
Absolutely. The approach encourages personalized learning and values every child’s capabilities, making it inclusive for diverse learners.
5. How can I see this approach in action at Evoke?
We invite families to visit our centres, observe our learning environments, and speak with our educators about how we integrate EYLF with Reggio Emilia every day.
The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education is a globally respected philosophy that originated in Italy after World War II. Known for its innovative, child-centered perspective, this approach sees children as competent, curious, and full of potential. At Evoke Early Learning, we are proud to embody the Reggio Emilia philosophy, integrating its core principles into our curriculum to foster holistic development in children.
Founded by Loris Malaguzzi, the Reggio Emilia philosophy is built on the belief that children learn best through self-directed, experiential learning in a relationship-driven environment. Children are seen as active participants in their learning journey, capable of expressing themselves in multiple ways, often referred to as the "hundred languages of children." This philosophy is foundational to our approach at Evoke Early Learning.
Further Reading: What Is the Reggio Emilia Philosophy?
Key components of the Reggio Emilia approach include:
Further Reading:
At Evoke Early Learning, our Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms are dynamic environments where children are encouraged to explore, question, and engage deeply with materials and ideas. Educators act as co-learners and guides, setting up provocations and projects that align with children's interests and developmental stages.
Further Reading:
We believe learning extends beyond the classroom. Reggio Emilia at home and in the community is essential to a child's development. Parents are seen as partners, and community experiences are woven into the curriculum to enrich learning. Families are encouraged to actively engage in their child’s educational journey.
Further Reading:
The Reggio Emilia approach differs from other educational philosophies like Montessori in its emphasis on collaboration, flexible curriculum, and aesthetic environments. It provides a more open-ended, emergent curriculum that evolves with the child’s interests, making it a unique choice for early childhood education.
Further Reading: Reggio Emilia vs Montessori
This child-led learning philosophy is inclusive and adaptable, catering to diverse learners by valuing different cultural backgrounds, learning styles, and developmental needs. Reggio Emilia supports educators in creating learning environments where every child can thrive.
Further Reading: Reggio Emilia for All: Adapting the Approach for Diverse Learners
The Reggio Emilia approach offers a profound, respectful, and inspiring way to educate young children. As one of Australia's leading Reggio Emilia early childhood education providers, Evoke Early Learning embraces this philosophy to nurture curious, capable, and compassionate learners. Explore our centres to see this transformative approach in action and discover how we help children flourish through Reggio Emilia-inspired education.
If you're located near our childcare centres in Melbourne, we invite you to experience the Reggio Emilia philosophy firsthand.
We would love to welcome you and show you how Evoke Early Learning can support your child's educational journey.
1. Is the Reggio Emilia approach suitable for all children?
Yes, the Reggio Emilia philosophy is designed to be inclusive and adaptable. It respects each child's individual learning style, interests, and cultural background, making it suitable for diverse learners.
2. How does Reggio Emilia differ from other approaches like Montessori?
While both philosophies value independence and hands-on learning, Reggio Emilia focuses more on collaborative group work, the environment as a teacher, and project-based exploration that emerges from children's interests.
3. Can I apply the Reggio Emilia approach at home?
Absolutely. Parents can encourage open-ended play, ask thoughtful questions, provide creative materials, and observe children's interests to support learning at home in a Reggio-inspired way.
4. What role do teachers play in Reggio Emilia classrooms?
Teachers act as co-learners and researchers alongside children. They observe, document, and reflect on children’s activities to support and extend learning through carefully designed provocations.
5. How can I learn more about Reggio Emilia at Evoke?
You can explore our other blog posts, visit our centres, or speak with one of our educators to learn how Evoke integrates Reggio Emilia principles into every aspect of early childhood education.
You’re probably familiar with the term, ‘Play-based learning’. But what does this actually mean in terms of early childhood development? To understand this, we need to delve a little deeper into how the human brain develops during the crucial first years of life.
At birth, the brain is around a quarter of its adult size. It grows fast, reaching about 90% of its full size at about five years of age. But it’s not just physical size – during this time trillions of neural connections are being made in response to stimuli and experiences.
This makes the first five years of life a vital window of opportunity for brain development – one that will have a lifelong impact on everything that the future adult has the potential to become.
Children lay down the building blocks of essential skills during these early, brain-development years. This includes the base of their cognitive, social-emotional, language, problem-solving, critical thinking and self-regulatory abilities.
Play is, naturally, an enjoyable experience. As adults, we know that it’s far easier to learn by doing something that piques our interest, rather than dull, old-school methods that cause you to zone out. But the preschool brain has yet to form the connections that allow them to understand the concept of what learning means, be it boring or otherwise.
Enter early education play-based learning, a process that multiple studies show to provide the vital foundations that will lead to future knowledge. Rather than thinking of it as aiding the content of what a child learns, it’s better to think of it as supporting the actual learning process, something known as ‘executive function’. In other words, learning through play helps the child lay down the optimal psychological basis from which all other knowledge and understanding can grow.
In the Reggio Emilia classroom, play is not frivolous, even if it may sometimes appear that way to onlookers. The environment is designed to provide children with multiple opportunities to explore their curiosity. Play is generally an intrinsic process, coming from within and following a pathway that’s unique to each child. While this often results in collaboration with others, the curiosity that fires the journey of discovery is wholly individual.
Play supports a scaffold of learning skills, whereby new knowledge builds upon old. The formation of neural connections through joyful experiences follows a natural flow. For example, when you smile and coo at your baby, over the next days and weeks this leads to reciprocal facial expressions, sounds and gestures. These methods of communication continue to form and, before you know it, we’re into what Reggio Emilia calls ‘The 100 languages of children’, - the multiple methods of expression and communication that form one of the base principles of this world-renowned learning method.
Play-based learning in the Reggio Emilia environment is all about stimulating the young brain to build the neural connections that are vital for:
In addition to all the above, high levels of play are associated with low levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol. Furthermore, when children are given the opportunity to learn in a play-based environment in combination with a safe, nurturing atmosphere, is shown by multiple studies to indirectly affect the brain’s ability to regulate stress and improve resilience and coping skills.
And this is what we all want for our children – the start that provides them with the foundation to to be the very best person they can. Happy, capable, curious, kind… The neuroscience of play is a fascinating subject that forms the basis for the learning outcomes in the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia stem from.
At Evoke Early Learning, our curriculum follows the Reggio Emilia approach throughout our nursery, toddler and kindy levels – and we’d be delighted to talk to you more about the neuroscience of play that underlines our philosophy. If you’re interested in seeing our talented team in action and speaking to us about enrolling your child, the first step is to book a tour.
And, of course, you can always contact us for any other questions you might have.
Most of us are well aware of the benefits of daily outdoor activities. Mother Nature exerts her positive influence on mental and physical health for both adults and children. And it also plays a strong part in brain development during the early learning years.
The Reggio Emilia approach, with its focus on the natural world, has long absorbed this into the educational setting. Its concept allows educators to utilise the wonders of the environment as a landscape that stimulates curiosity and encourages exploration.
One thing that’s immediately evident when walking into a Reggio classroom is the flow from the interior to the exterior. But it goes further than this. The curated use of light and space is also important, as are adventures into the great outdoors.
Australian Reggio Emilia classrooms are rarely far from nature. From the bush and countryside that surrounds every village and town to city parks and the thousands of kilometres of coastline, early learning educators have a myriad of options to incorporate the natural world into the curriculum.
The art of Reggio education is to provide children with the tools they need to become co-constructors of their learning pathway. Add the natural world into the mix and the potential options are, quite literally, endless. Examples might include:
Vitally, the one thing that all of these have in common is that they stimulate the senses – and it’s this that’s so important during the crucial early learning years. No environment is more fruitful than the great outdoors and by piquing the senses, children are driven to further explore.
Such experiences help children connect with the world around them, stimulating cognitive development and the neural connections within the brain that are forming in their hundreds of thousands. And the stronger the feelings, the deeper the learning process.
Regular outdoor experiences benefit children in so many ways. As well as connecting them with nature, learning advantages include:
Regular time spent outside is essential for children, something that we take very seriously at Evoke Early Learning. Both our Albert Park and Clayton centres blend indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing our children to meet their required quota of outdoor time for the best physical and mental health. Our Reggio-inspired early years program is dedicated to catering to each child’s individual needs, and we take full advantage of our wonderful climate to maximise outdoor time.
Call for more information or book a tour today – we’d love to show you our talented team in action.
Social development – the process by which a child learns to interact with those around them – isn’t just about making friends. It’s a combination of key skills that includes communication, self-awareness, behaviour regulation, building self-esteem, conflict resolution and more.
A unique aspect of the Reggio Emilia approach is how it creates an environment that addresses complex developmental stages through age-appropriate opportunities and atmospheres. This is as true for social development as it is for well-being, behavioural and other cognitive traits – and just as intricate.
Enter any Reggio classroom and one of the first things you’ll notice is children working and playing together. The philosophy encourages child-directed interaction. Of course, if a child needs some time out or a bit of alone time, they’re free to do so. But humans are naturally gregarious, migrating towards others, shared interests and exploration.
And therein lies the basis of social development. The approach utilises child-led learning, a process that’s inspired through:
Such learning encourages interactions. These support every aspect of social development, including the vital opportunities to experience and learn conflict resolution Any group of children will see the odd disagreement occur. Discovering how to spot potential friction and increase emotional awareness (both in themselves and others) is a crucial element of building social skills.
Children who are in an environment that encourages collaboration in subjects that interest them are in a hugely advantageous situation. One child’s enthusiasm can spark a whole new road of exploration. The inevitable questions this will bring is yet another facet of learning how to interact with others – and even mild disagreements add to how each child builds their own emotional resilience.
Reggio classrooms also celebrate diversity. Learning about other cultures is both fun and educational. Don’t be surprised if your child comes home brimming with enthusiasm about Diwali, Oktoberfest, Mardi Gras, Yi Peng, Holi or any other festival that their peers might be celebrating.
Social interactions are also influenced by self-esteem. Learning about the world and how they fit into it isn’t something that a child is expected to fully understand by the time they go to school/leave for uni/get their first job (insert any life-defining event), but it is linked to how a child feels about themselves.
Fostering positive self-worth is a key element of social interaction – something that’s influenced in many tiny ways. Whether it’s another child or children being interested in their ideas, seeing a group project proudly displayed, building friendships, getting praise from a teacher or simply being comfortable in a group of others, these all have an important effect on how an individual feels about themselves.
In turn, this builds confidence, promotes communication and arms a child with the crucial building blocks of social interaction that they will take forward as they navigate into older childhood, teenage and, eventually, their adult years.
It can’t be stressed enough the impact that social development has on all other areas of life. From confidence to positivity, communication to future academic prowess, the Reggio Emilia approach places a huge amount of focus on helping every child and personality build the skills upon which the future wonderful adult can blossom.
The classrooms at Evoke Early Learning are wonderful examples of Reggio Emilia in action. From toddler care to Kindergarten, our centres are filled with the joyful sounds of children learning these key social skills. But don’t just take our word for it...! We’d love to show you why our early childhood educators love what they do. Book a tour today and see why so many parents and caregivers entrust the most precious members of their family into our daily care.
Critical thinking has always been important. But in the rapidly changing landscape of the 21st century, it’s become a fundamental necessity that drives both personal and professional success.
The art of critical thinking isn’t learned overnight. In common with all skills, it begins at a basic level and builds over time. Proven childcare approaches, such as Reggio Emilia, can play a vital role in creating the positive building blocks of emotional, cognitive and social abilities from which great critical thinking can flourish.
In a nutshell, critical thinking is the ability to make decisions based on objective and rational analysis of information. It’s about challenging data, rather than simply accepting it, recognising both external and internal bias, using reasoning and evaluation to come to a judgement.
Today’s rapidly evolving and challenging world means this has never been so vital. Critical thinking helps a person to:
From employment opportunities to personal satisfaction, developed critical thinking skills impact virtually every element of life.
If we break down the attributes of critical thinking into six easy elements, the link to the Reggio Emilia approach immediately apparent.
Critical thinking is a learned skill, one that absolutely is best honed from a solid foundation of attributes that begin building during the early years. Evoke Early Learning is committed to providing the right simulating, home-from-home environment that continues the great work that parents and caregivers do in raising their children.
This is evident through our entire spectrum, from nursery through toddler and pre-Kindy and into our Kindergarten classes. And we’d love for you to see us in action.
Book a tour today at either our Clayton or Albert Park Centres. We can’t wait to meet you… Discover more about our values and contact our team for a chat today.
The art of communication encompasses far more than just the spoken word. From body language to gestures – and everything in between – humans use multiple ways to directly and indirectly exchange information with those around them.
One of the primary principles of the Reggio Emilia approach is the ‘one hundred languages’ of children. This is a symbolic phrase that encompasses not only the transmission of information, but how incoming data is perceived and understood. It’s about understanding, sharing feelings and thoughts,
the art of expression and the many (many!) ways that this can be done.
Children have an infinite potential to wonder – to see things in their own unique way and to explore the multiple ways of seeing and being that are personal to their character.
Early Reggio Emilia education centres around this approach and utilises the power of the child’s ability to wonder. This can be expressed in multiple different ways – or languages – including:
All of these have one thing in common – the art of expression. When a child experiences something that piques their curiosity, they will naturally want to explore it further. This plays a pivotal role in the whole Reggio Emilia concept – and is magnified by providing children with the tools to do so.
Multi-faceted, multi-sensory environments are key. This is why early educational facilities that follow this approach are filled with objects and items that are tactile, natural, colourful and – vitally – easy for children to access. This reaches into every element of life in a Reggio early learning school. From sensory gardens to sandpits, natural art projects adorning the walls to the atelier area for creative expression, everything is designed to inspire children to follow their instincts.
The educator’s role is to listen, observe and provide avenues for further expression and exploration. For instance, a child listening to music might start to sway to the beat. Having the space to take this one step further, perhaps using dance to process and communicate the emotions that the music is evoking is something to further explore. Maybe this might evolve into character play, dressing up or joining in with playing instruments. There are no hard and fast rules, the direction of travel is dictated by the child with educators playing a peripheral part that encourages further investigation.
The art of communication is both subtle and assertive. From quietly choosing a different shade to colour a picture to shouting out in joy at a surprise discovery, children ‘speak’ to the world at large in so many different ways. The critical takeaway is that educators, parents and caregivers act as guardians of this pathway - not directing the way of travel, but supporting, nurturing and providing the opportunities for the child to process what they see and feel and allowing this to guide their personal educational pathway.
At Evoke Early Learning, our childcare philosophy is that every child is powerful, capable and full of curiosity. This is mirrored in our age-centric nursery, toddler and kindergarten programmes, each of which is staffed by talented early childhood educators who are passionate about providing children with the best start In life as possible.
But don’t just take our word for it – come and see for yourself. Book a tour today at either our Albert Park and Clayton centres to see our wonderful staff in action.
The power of the Reggio Emilia approach has far-reaching effects. Indeed, it’s not just about providing children with a great start in life. The skills they learn extend through the school years, into college, university and remain with a person throughout their entire life.
To understand why we need to delve a little deeper into the evolution of the human brain. From the moment a person is born this wonderful organ begins to be shaped by the experiences and the surrounding environment. The magic is underpinned by the creation of thousands upon thousands of tiny electrical impulses that form pathways in response to stimuli. These neurons play a huge part in building the foundations upon which the future adult will be built.
Children are innately curious. Show them a worm and they want to touch it… Start to bake a cake and they’re excited to join in… Play a pretend drum on the table and you’ll soon have a willing partner…
This behaviour is all part of the process of building the aforementioned neural pathways. The child sees something that piques their interest and needs to process the information. The best way to do that is to get hands-on – the feel of the worm, the taste of the cake mix as they lick their fingers and the feeling and sound of drumming on the table.
The Reggio Emilia approach is centred around encouraging this curiosity. Step inside any such learning space and you’ll be welcomed by beautifully light, airy spaces that are filled with natural materials, colour and tactile objects. Bland plastics and boring landscapes have no place here – instead, everything is carefully chosen to encourage exploration through all the senses. For example:
These are just a few examples – but the key takeaway is that providing children with multiple opportunities to question and marvel at their surroundings promotes exploration and… learning.
When children are allowed to follow their instincts and explore what interests them, those neural pathways mentioned earlier become associated with a positive experience. This creates a base framework upon which the desire for further discovery builds. As the child grows, they continue to follow their interests, investigating and learning as they go.
As they move through school and beyond, those crucial building blocks that were laid during the early years help create a lifelong love of learning. This might well be academic – but it also relates to practical and emotional skills too.
The importance of this in early childhood education can’t be overstated, and it’s something that the educators at Evoke Early Learning centres are truly passionate about. You only need glance at our toddler and kindergarten classrooms to see this positive approach in action.
We run regular tours for parents and caregivers to see our team in action, so what are you waiting for? Book a tour today at either our Clayton or Albert Park locations and come and see for yourself. We can’t wait to meet you…
