What is the Reggio Emilia approach to learning?

The Reggio Emilia Approach: Growing Creativity and Curiosity in Kids

A Down-to-Earth Look at a Child-First Way to Learn

If you’ve ever wondered what makes preschool magical in some places, you might want to check out the Reggio Emilia approach. More than just a teaching style, it’s a way of thinking about kids, teachers, families, and learning itself. It all started in a little Italian town after World War II, but now, people all over the world are talking about it and drawing inspiration from it.

This blog will walk you through where it came from, what it’s all about, how classrooms work, the role of teachers and families, and why the Reggio Emilia approach has made such a splash. By the end, you’ll see why so many parents and teachers are excited by it.

Where Did Reggio Emilia Come From?

The story kicks off after World War II, when a group of parents in Reggio Emilia, Italy, wanted something better for their kids. They sold off an old tank, some horses, and abandoned trucks to raise money for a brand-new, forward-thinking school. Their dream: a place where kids could learn to think for themselves, get involved, and help shape their own world.

Loris Malaguzzi, a young teacher and psychologist at the time, helped bring this dream to life. He believed kids have “a hundred languages”—meaning there are tons of ways they can share, explore, and make sense of things. The whole philosophy is about respecting children’s abilities, working together, and making community a big part of school.

What’s at the Heart of Reggio Emilia?

Here’s what really matters in the Reggio Emilia approach:

·       Kids Lead the Way: Children aren’t just soaking things up—they’re active learners. Their questions and ideas are the starting point for everything.

·       Learning Together: Education is something everyone does together: kids, teachers, parents, and other people in the community.

·       The Hundred Languages: Kids can show what they know in all sorts of ways: art, music, movement, words, play, you name it. The idea is to encourage all of it.

·       The Classroom as a Teacher: The space matters a lot. Classrooms are made to be interesting, beautiful, and full of stuff that makes kids want to explore.

·       Follow the Kids’ Interests: Instead of sticking to a set lesson plan, teachers build projects and activities around what the kids are curious about right now.

·       Show and Reflect: Teachers document what kids do and say, posting pictures, drawings, and stories around the classroom. It’s all about making learning visible and giving everyone a chance to think back on what happened.

The Classroom: More Than Just Four Walls

Walk into a Reggio-inspired classroom and you’ll notice it right away: big windows, sunlight everywhere, natural stuff like wood and plants, and tons of kids’ art hung at their eye level. The space is arranged so that kids can work together, find quiet spots to read or relax, dive into art and building projects, and even head outdoors whenever possible.

Instead of a bunch of desks in neat rows, you’ll find flexible spaces and all sorts of materials—mirrors, clay, wire, recycled odds and ends—all designed to prompt kids to ask “What if?” or “How does this work?” The classroom changes as children’s interests change, too.

The Teacher’s Role: Not Your Average Instructor

Teachers in a Reggio Emilia classroom aren’t the “sage on the stage.” Instead, they’re right there with the kids, learning alongside them. They ask big questions, listen closely, and pay attention to what kids are interested in.

Lesson planning is flexible. Teachers pick up on what kids are curious about and create activities that help explore those interests. They’re always taking notes, snapping photos, and collecting work to reflect back on with the kids and parents.

And just like kids, teachers keep learning too. They work closely with each other, sharing ideas and coming up with new ways to make learning meaningful.

Families and Community: Everyone’s Involved

Families aren’t just dropping their kids off—they’re involved in the classroom and the school community. Parents get to help shape what’s happening, and there’s lots of back-and-forth communication.

It’s not just about families, though. Artists, experts, and other local folks come to share what they know. Everyone works together to build a community where everyone cares about the kids’ growth and learning.

Learning That Grows from Kids’ Curiosity

One of the coolest things about Reggio Emilia is the way the curriculum works. There’s no fixed plan. Instead, teachers build projects around what kids are interested in at that moment. If a group of kids suddenly gets obsessed with shadows, the teacher might help them investigate light, reflection, and movement—using art, science, stories, and more.

Projects can last days or even months. Everything connects: language, math, art, science, social studies. Kids get super engaged because what they’re learning what actually matters to them.

Documenting the Learning Journey

“Documentation” is a big deal in Reggio Emilia schools. Teachers capture kids’ words, actions, drawings, and creations. All that gets posted in the classroom so everyone can see what’s happening and think about it.

This isn’t just for show—it helps teachers plan next steps, gives parents a window into daily learning, and lets kids see how much they’ve grown. It’s a way to celebrate the learning process every step of the way.

The Big Impact

The Reggio Emilia approach started in Italy, but now it influences teachers and schools all over the world. While the “real” Reggio schools are still mostly in Italy, many others use its ideas to build more creative and engaging classrooms.

You’ll see its mark in how teachers value creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. The focus is always on what makes each child unique and capable.