Community as Curriculum: The Role of Families in Reggio Emilia
The Reggio Emilia approach is so much more than just education and childcare. It’s about a proven, unique concept that views the child as a capable individual who can follow a learning path driven by their own curiosity and interests, yet fully supported by everyone and everything around them. This community consists of the early […]
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Beyond Academics: Nurturing the Whole Child in Reggio Emilia
While early childhood education is dedicated to creating the foundations of academic learning, this certainly isn’t the sole focus. The Reggio Emilia concept considers the child as a whole – and that means areas such as emotional development, emotional intelligence, physical and mental well-being, social skills and encouraging natural curiosity. Humans are a complex, dynamic […]
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The Atelier: A Creative Hub for Exploration and Expression
Every Reggio Emilia classroom has a designated room or area that’s known as the atelier. While it’s often referred to as the art studio, such a term – although immediately understandable – fails to convey the true intricacies of its role. Rather than thinking of the atelier as a place where children carry out art […]
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Cultivating Curiosity: The Reggio Emilia Way
Curiosity! The desire to further explore an object, concept or method, isn’t something we need to teach children – it’s an inherent part of being human. However, what they do need are the opportunities, environment and guidance that encourage such interest. Such landscapes promote discovery of the world around them - self-guided learning that follows […]
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The Link Between Art & Creative Expression in the Early Learning Environment
Introducing age-appropriate art projects during the early formative years is a wonderful way to foster creativity and expression. This is a time when the human brain undergoes the greatest advancements, with neural networks being formed that shape the future adult that the child has the potential to become. A healthy, proactive approach that stimulates this […]
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The Vital Role of Music and Movement in Early Learning
Music and movement are powerful tools that can be introduced into the learning environment from nursery to toddlers and pre-school. From gentle swaying and singing when holding a baby through to encouraging toddlers and pre-schoolers to explore how to move to tunes and sound, these actions promote so much more than just a lifelong love […]
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Sensory Play: A Vital Element in the Early Learning Environment
Sight, sound, touch, smell and taste – the five senses through which we experience our world. During the crucial early years of life, the areas of the brain that are responsible for each are constantly making new neural connections. Therefore, an environment that encourages the use of all of them is vital – and it’s […]
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Natural Materials in Reggio Emilia-Inspired Classrooms
Incorporating the wonders of the outdoors throughout indoor locations is a theme that runs strongly through Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms and play areas. This core element of childcare philosophy melds the natural world into the fabric of day-to-day life, creating an environment that helps drive curiosity, creativity and imagination. The earliest years of life are a […]
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Dealing with Separation Anxiety in Early Childhood: Guidance on how to manage separation anxiety in young children
While it’s perfectly normal for both you and your child to feel a little sad for a few minutes when you part, separation anxiety is a completely different matter. It’s a surprisingly common childhood challenge, most usually experienced in children between six months and three years of age. Even if your child doesn’t appear to […]
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Teaching Basic Maths Concepts to Pre-schoolers: Fun and engaging ways to introduce basic maths to young children
Basic maths skills are easy to introduce to little ones. Rather than thinking of this as a complex subject that is only taught at school, there are loads that parents and caregivers can do to introduce the foundations of maths in a really fun way. Six simple steps to bring maths into everyday life The […]
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