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:
- A stimulating environment: Reggio areas are anything but boring! The approach firmly believes in the ‘environment being the third teacher’. Expect a classroom filled with colour, texture, natural objects, walls covered with children’s projects, an outdoor area, and everything being easily accessible for small hands and little people.
- The ‘hundred languages of children’: refers to the endless opportunities humans have for expression, such as drawing, writing, dancing, colouring, construction, dancing and more. Reggio classrooms also have a dedicated area or room for the arts, known as ‘the atelier’, where expression in all of its glorious forms is encouraged.
- A non-structured curriculum: The lack of a rigid learning structure is one of the greatest strengths of the Reggio approach. Instead of teachers following a predetermined timetable, the timeline emerges according to the questions and interests of the children. Learning experiences are built around these, creating an environment whereby children can enjoy shared (and individual) experiences that present further curiosity and discovery.
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.
The Importance of Finding Your Fit
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.
Tracey is a highly qualified educator and administrator and brings a strong combination of academic achievement, extensive work experience in the education and business sectors as well as drive and passion to her role as General Manager of Operations at Evoke Early Learning.
Tracey has a Master of Education and an Advanced Diploma of Business and holds VIT Dual Registration to teach in Early Childhood and Primary School settings. She’s also a VIT Trained Mentor Teacher and has worked in ECEC settings as a Director, Educational Leader and as a Victorian Senior Area manager. Her recognition as a state finalist in the recent Director of the Year Awards is testament to her achievements in the early education sector.
Her extensive work experience also included a stint as Head of Curriculum at the Royal Children’s Hospital Education Institute and positions as head of ICT at a number of large primary and secondary schools. Tracey is also experienced in not-for-profit sessional kindergarten settings and long daycare environments, so she has a deep understanding of what’s required to support the needs and expectations of young children, educators, parents and caregivers.
Tracey is responsible for operational management at Evoke Early Learning’s Clayton centre in Oakleigh East and their Albert Park centre in South Melbourne and is deeply committed to leading and driving effective and sustainable service delivery throughout the company.
Tracey is passionate about making a meaningful difference to young children, their parents and the wider community and under her expert guidance, Evoke Early Learning is continuing to raise the bar in quality early education and childcare.
