The first few years of a child’s life have the biggest impact on their future. It’s during these critical times that vital neural connections are being forged, a love of discovery and learning is nurtured, and the stable building blocks of independence are being laid… The crucial foundations from which the future adult will rise are sown during these precious years.
That’s why Evoke Early Learning follows a curriculum that embraces the ultimate proven early education method that sets your child up for a life of success – the Reggio Emilia Approach.
The Benefits of Reggio Emilia & Why It’s So Advantageous for Your Child
The Reggio Emilia Approach has its roots in Northern Italy. Developed after World War 2 by a teacher who worked with local parents to provide childcare after the conflict, it was based on the following:
- Community, respect and responsibility.
- To encourage exploration and discovery.
- To provide an enriching and supporting environment.
And very importantly (not to mention ground-breaking):
- Utilised a self-guided curriculum.
This all stemmed from the (very much ground-breaking at the time) opinion that the adult the child had the potential to become was wholly influenced during the earliest developmental years.
This innovative approach that began in a tiny Northern Italian village wasn’t just a step in the right direction… It spawned a whole new early education movement that’s now embraced in well over 145 countries and territories around the world.
Naturally, the concept has evolved. As our understanding of child development has increased and the importance of the environment in which they learn, play and grow has been proven, so the approach has been further honed.
Today, the Reggio Emilia Approach has seven guiding principles. However, even while the original concepts have been increased and reworded, the original vision still holds true. In 2024, this early educational curriculum is based around the following:
- The child is capable of constructing their own learning.
- Community is important and children learn through collaborating with their communities.
- Humans are natural communicators and children should be encouraged to express themselves.
- The environment is the third teacher and must be enriching and supportive.
- Teachers are partners, nurturers and guides, helping children explore their interests through multi-dimensional projects.
- A child’s learning should be documented.
- Parental/caregiver participation is vital.
So, what makes it so effective – and how does it support your child’s future success?
Curiosity and experimentation
Children love to explore. From watching a crawling ant to marvelling at the feel of silky sand pouring through their fingers, probing this natural curiosity promotes the joy of learning. A child will naturally gravitate towards what interests them – and this is wholly encouraged at Evoke. This drives self-learning and allows a child to discover their natural drive and desire to learn more. These are the vital seeds that will power future interests, study and the ability to forge a pathway through life that brings fulfilment and satisfaction.
Collaboration and co-construction
The role of the Evoke childhood educator is to encourage children to follow their passion, but also to share and collaborate with others. Each child is unique and learns in their own way – we’re here to gently guide the journey. Interactions with other children and their teachers promote a sense of community and the learning of positive social skills. It also provides a safe place where children can begin to navigate environmental complexities at their own pace. This helps create the building blocks of confidence – something that provides the basis upon which solving future challenges can spring from.
Relationship building
Listening and learning are key relationship-building skills. We promote an environment where children not only feel safe, but are actively encouraged to express themselves, ask questions, pause for reflection and explore positive interaction with both teachers and their peers.
Communication
One thing you might hear about the Reggio Emilia Approach is that there are 100 languages. This describes the many different ways in which humans express themselves. Whilst the act of talking is one of these, there many other – often subtle – ways that we signal to those around us. From body language to facial expressions, the spoken word to communicating through music, art, dance and more – and, of course, the many different languages that our delightfully multi-cultural landscape brings.
Participation
A sense of belonging is key to positive development. Yes, exploration and group participation are key to exploration and learning, but feeling part of a community is an essential human need. Our highly skilled educators help like-minded children play and discover together, further boosting the educational journey and development of key physical and psychological skills.
The Evoke team welcomes conversations to help parents and caregivers further understand the Reggio Emilia Approach. Or why not book a tour at either our Albert Park or Clayton centre to see us in action and get to meet us face to face? We look forward to hearing from you.
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.
