Parents want the best for their kids. From those first precious days at home, to the trip to the college dorm – and beyond – moms and dads want to see their child live a fruitful life. With the best intentions comes extra careful planning. In today’s competitive world, education is a valuable asset. And, when it comes to the best approach to said education, there are many different schools of thought (pun intended). From Montessori to Sudbury, there are all kinds of alternative teaching methods used in American schools today. You may be curious to learn about one such method—known as Reggio Emilia.

Named after its birthplace in Italy, Reggio Emilia is a teaching philosophy that focuses on children aged 3-6 years old. Loris Malaguzzi began this new approach for learning after World War II. Malaguzzi’s method was based on the notion that children are competent, confident, and curious creatures who can thrive in a self-guided learning environment, where mutual respect between child and teacher is paramount.

The first school of its kind opened in 1945, but it wasn’t until 1991 that it became a popular in the U.S., when Newsweek named the Diana preschool in Reggio Emilia, Italy one of the best early childhood institutions in the world. If you are a parent, you may be wondering, “What are the benefits of Reggio Emilia approach?” Read on as we break down some of the top benefits of Reggio Emilia, and what it can offer young students who are just launching their learning journey in school.

Within the Reggio Emilia approach, there is a saying: “A child has a hundred languages.” These languages are how the child communicates with his or her environment, and those within it. The Reggio Emilia teaching method works to unite and develop these languages, such as:

• Art
• Building
• Body
• Construction
• Dance
• Fantasy
• Innovation
• Music
• Nature
• Science
• Signing
• Soul
• Talking
• Writing

These “hundred languages” are used to help children learn and understand the world around them.

The Reggio Emilia method believes that the child is the center of his or her own learning universe. Parents, teachers, and the community are all collaborators throughout the child’s journey through learning.

Classrooms in Reggio Emilia schools are often designed to look more like homes. They are meant to be an inviting environment, as the environment is a critical part of the learning experience. They should be inviting and inspire the child to think outside the box.

This way of thinking also supports the rights and ideas of a child. The Reggio philosophy is based on the belief that children are natural researchers who are always ready for challenges.

Teachers and advocates for these schools believe there are many benefits of Reggio Emilia programs. They believe that, through this style of education, children are better able to:

1. Build Social Skills
2. Community Engagement
3. Enjoy learning
4. Expression with Confidence
5. Instill Problem Solving Skills
6. Welcome New Experiences

The Riverside Magnet School at Goodwin College is a Reggio Emilia inspired magnet school in Connecticut. Here, we believe that all children are capable of great success when challenged within a nurturing environment built upon genuine relationships. We are confident that this world-renowned teaching philosophy empowers children to reach their full potential.

The Riverside Magnet School offers young children — prekindergarten through grade 5 — an exciting curriculum that focuses on building literacy, numeracy, social, and physical skills. We offer a flexible full-day program to support working parents, with before and after-school programs available, as well as a summer program.

Learn how to apply to the Riverside Magnet School by visiting https://www.riversidemagnetschool.org/prospective-families/apply-now. You may also schedule an information session here.