BECOMING A REGGIO–INSPIRED PRESCHOOL
The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy started by the parents in Reggio Emilia, Italy after World War II. The parents believed that the destruction of war required a new, better approach to teaching their children. They believed that children form their individuality in the early years of development. The program they developed emphasised respect, responsibility and community involvement. Children were allowed to explore and discover in a supportive and rich environment where the children’s interests helped determine the curriculum. KAREN CAPPER
Preschool Coordinator
It is unique to Reggio Emilia. It is not a method. Outside of the town of Reggio– Emilia, all schools and preschools are Reggio-inspired, using an adaptation of the approach specific to the needs of their community. This is important, as each student, teacher, parent, community and town are different. No two Reggio-inspired communities should look the same, as the needs and interests of the children within each community will be different.
After much research on the Reggio– Emilia approach it was decided that as a whole Preschool we needed to develop our knowledge as a team further, and so, funding was secured from the Government to enable the whole of Preschool to travel to Melbourne for a four day Reggio–Emilia conference 82
THE SOUTHPORT SCHOOL SOUTHPORTONIAN 2015
in the July holidays. The conference included a day of visits to other schools who had developed their own Reggioinspired approach. All educators found this highly beneficial and came back to TSS Preschool with renewed vigor and inspired to model some of what they had seen in their own rooms. The Reggio–Emilia pedagogy views children as capable, inquisitive learners and educators plan experiences, called provocations, to spark creativity, thinking, planning and reflecting in line with the boys’ interests and Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline outcomes. Many natural “loose parts” have been added to the classrooms and outside areas to enhance the commercially bought resources. Children are innately curious about the natural world and experiences. Using natural materials is not only aesthetically pleasing, it is also delightfully openended, engages the senses and supports valuable connections with the natural world. To ensure the boys are able to connect with nature authentically, an area of woodland between The Pearson Building and The Cribb Building has been cleared to enable to the boys to explore, create and collaborate. Many readings and professional learning undertaken in the area of nature pedagogy confirms the importance of nature being a powerful teacher, supporting children to learn about themselves, others and the natural world.
Additionally, the Reggio Approach involves the whole community, and TSS Preschool endeavours to work with not only families, but also the wider community to support the boys’ learning. Uncle Boomerang is a regular visitor to Preschool, who talks to the boys about Indigenous culture, much of which takes place in our natural environment around the school.
