A cornerstone of The College School’s approach to Early Childhood education is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. At TCS, we emphasize a child-centered, social-constructivist model that supports the development of critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional skills. 

What is the Reggio Emilia Approach?

The Reggio Emilia philosophy originated in Reggio Emilia, a town in Northern Italy, after World War II. Pioneered by educator Loris Malaguzzi and the Reggio Emilia community, this educational approach emphasizes the role of the child as a competent, curious, and capable learner and is deeply rooted in the belief that children should be viewed as active participants in their learning and in their communities.

Key Principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach:

• Children are competent and capable: The approach sees children as naturally curious and able to direct their own learning and that of their classroom community.
• Learning is social: Children learn through interactions with their peers, adults, and the surrounding environment.
• Environment as the “third teacher”: Classrooms are designed thoughtfully to reflect the interests and needs of the children, stimulating creativity, exploration, and inquiry.
• Inquiry-based learning: The Reggio Emilia philosophy encourages children to ask questions, investigate, and build upon their natural curiosity.
• Documentation of learning: Teachers use documentation—photos, videos, and written reflections—to track the learning process and engage children in reflecting on their learning journey.

At The College School, the Reggio Emilia philosophy reflects our commitment to fostering a developmental and hands-on learning environment that prioritizes individualized attention, community involvement, and holistic child development.

Why We Embrace This Philosophy

The College School integrates the Reggio Emilia philosophy into its curriculum because it aligns with our core values:

1. Child-Centered Education: The College School commitment to emergent curriculum and inquiry-based learning supports educators in crafting learning experiences where children’s divergent needs and interests are supported.
2. Focus on Collaboration: Our Reggio Emilia inspired approach fosters a culture where learning is a shared, collective experience.
3. Creativity and Exploration: Through exploration, children engage with their environment and use creative methods to solve problems and discover new perspectives.
4. Holistic Development: The Reggio Emilia approach nurtures all aspects of a child’s development—intellectual, social, emotional, and physical. At TCS, we value the holistic growth of the child and believe that learning should be a dynamic and interconnected process.
5. Respect for Children: At The College School, children are respected as capable, thoughtful individuals. This philosophy empowers children to take ownership of their learning, make decisions, and contribute to the classroom community in meaningful ways.

How Children Learn Through the Approach

In a Reggio Emilia-inspired classroom, children are not passive recipients of knowledge; they are active participants in their educational journey. Here’s how the approach fosters learning:

1. The Role of the Environment

In Reggio Emilia, the classroom is considered a “third teacher,” after families and the educator. The environment plays a critical role in shaping how children think, feel, and learn. Classrooms at The College School are thoughtfully designed to encourage exploration, communication, and creativity.

• Aesthetic Design: Our classrooms are filled with natural materials, light, and open spaces. This aesthetic fosters a sense of calm and wonder, allowing children to focus on their projects and collaborate with peers.
• Materials as Learning Tools: Everyday materials, such as clay, wood, fabric, and recycled objects, are used to stimulate creativity and problem-solving in our classrooms. Children have access to various artistic mediums and building materials to express their ideas and engage in hands-on learning.
• Access to Outdoor Spaces: Outdoor environments also serve as important extensions of the classroom. At The College School, nature provides limitless opportunities for sensory exploration and learning, from examining plant life to observing animal behavior.

2. Inquiry-Based Learning

In the Reggio Emilia approach, learning is often organized around short and long-term projects driven by the children’s inquiries, theories, and interests. These projects are not predetermined by the teacher but evolve through the children’s investigations and discoveries. At The College School, projects are designed to be rich, meaningful experiences that span weeks or months, allowing children to explore their ideas deeply.

• Inquiry-Based: Teachers at The College School encourage children to pose questions and seek answers through investigation. 
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Projects often require children to work together, fostering skills such as negotiation, communication, and empathy. The process of collaborating with peers is essential to social and emotional development, and it mirrors the real-world need for teamwork and shared problem-solving.
• Documentation and Reflection: Teachers carefully document the children’s learning through photographs, drawings, and written observations. At TCS, this documentation is shared with children regularly, offering them opportunities to reflect on their work and deepen their understanding. It also provides our families with insight into their child’s learning journey.

3. The Role of the Teacher

In Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms, the teacher is viewed as a guide, collaborator, and co-learner rather than a traditional “lecturer.” The teacher’s role is to observe, listen, and ask questions that encourage further exploration. Teachers at The College School are trained to:

• Listen and Observe: Teachers are keen observers who closely monitor the children’s interactions, questions, and ideas. This allows our teachers to tailor their teaching to the needs and interests of the children.
• Facilitate, Don’t Dictate: Rather than giving direct answers, teachers facilitate discussions and help children explore their own solutions, which encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Encourage Reflection: Teachers promote reflection by helping children articulate their thoughts and ideas, often through storytelling, the visual arts, or group discussion.

4. Learning Through the Arts

The Reggio Emilia philosophy recognizes that the arts are powerful tools for self-expression, collaboration, and learning. At The College School, the arts are woven throughout the curriculum to help children process their experiences and communicate complex ideas.

• Multiple Forms of Expression: Children at The College School are encouraged to express themselves not only through drawing and painting but also through sculpture, music, movement, and drama. Drawing inspiration from the well known Reggio Emilia metaphor of the “100 languages of learning” acknowledges that children have myriad ways of communicating, thinking, and expressing themselves.
• Deep Engagement with Art: TCS teachers provide children with rich, open-ended art experiences that encourage experimentation. For example, a child might explore the texture and properties of clay or engage in a collaborative sculpture project with peers.

The College School’s commitment to inspiration from the Reggio Emilia philosophy reflects a deep belief in the power of child-centered, inquiry-based learning. By fostering an environment where children’s natural curiosity is celebrated, where the classroom itself becomes a dynamic tool for learning, and where educators act as facilitators of the learning process, The College School ensures that children develop not only academic skills but also critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence.

Incorporating inspiration of Reggio Emilia into daily practice at The College School allows children to build the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. It’s a philosophy that recognizes and nurtures the infinite potential within every child.