Curious to know more about Blue House’s Reggio Emilia inspired approach? Here are the 8 core principles that drive their educational programme.
When doing your research for preschools, you’ve probably come across the buzzword “Reggio Emilia” more than once. And if you’ve Googled Reggio Emilia or Blue House Nursery, you’ll discover the school follows a learning approach based on the image of a child who’s capable, curious and full of potential. A child with rights who learns and grows by forming relationships with others. Sounds great, but what does that really mean? Does it mean that your three year old is capable of learning on their own without any supervision? And what are the benefits of the Reggio Emilia approach?
With the number of preschools out there, it’s easy for parents to feel overwhelmed by all the choices available to them. And once you’ve narrowed it down, you have to decide whether or not the school’s learning approach is the right fit for your child. At Blue House Nursery and International Preschool, which follows the Reggio Emilia approach, you’ll see that the classrooms are distinctly different as compared to classrooms in a traditional preschool. Everything is built around the idea that children learn by actively discovering information through the world around them.
Curious to know more about Blue House’s Reggio Emilia approach? Here are the 8 core principles that drive the educational programme at Blue House:
Image of the Child
This is where teaching begins in the Reggio classrooms. Naturally curious, children take charge of their learning and are considered highly capable. Unlike traditional schools where children are considered “empty vessels”, children at Blue House are active participants in their learning; with their interests having value and being respected, helping them grow in confidence, developing a strong sense of self and well-being and feeling more and more inspired to progress through their learning journey.
Educators as Partners
Unlike your typical classroom setting, teachers are considered co-learners alongside children. They listen, document, challenge and support learning in a collaborative way. Teachers act as springboards of information, guiding children as they explore concepts together. Through this, children become expert researchers, problem solvers and risk takers, comfortable in their own skins to have opinions and ideas about the world.
An Emergent Learning Process
Because learning is based on a child’s interests (dinosaurs, sharks, bubbles, shadow, etc.) they are more inclined to take their knowledge to the next level. They also become more willing to take risks, testing and attempting new things. Children also take on their own projects, which could last for days, weeks, a term or even a year! Through project work, they learn how to better express themselves and learn about the world.
The Role of Parents
In the Reggio Emilia classroom, parents play a very active role in their child’s education. They are regularly invited to take part in special projects and activities in school. At Blue House, parents are so welcome that there’s even a cafe on campus for them to socialise and take part in their child’s learning journey together.
Children are Connected
The strong community sense of the Reggio Emilia approach encourages children to learn from the people around them. The connections they make with the community ultimately makes them happier, more cooperative and active members of society.
The Environment as the Third Teacher
Check out our video on Blue House above and you’ll realise just how inspiring and beautiful the school is. It’s obvious that a lot of thought has been put into its design, from the lush outdoor areas to the indoor spaces that are equally one with nature. This is a Reggio Emilia-inspired school at its best. Every nook and cranny has a purpose, designed to foster creativity and invite research.
The Language Of Art
Instead of just simply making art, Reggio Emilia students experience art through all their five senses. They have access to art at all times and use a variety of materials, from wire to clay, and even charcoal. The children use art to express themselves and expand their creative and abstract thinking.
Documentation
In the Reggio classrooms, projects are respectfully displayed, creating an environment that places importance in the lives of the children who spend their time there. This gives them a deeper connection to their space, bringing a true sense of belonging.
If you are looking for a deeper involvement in your child’s learning experience, and believe that your child would benefit from a creative, inspiring environment that supports independence then perhaps Blue House Nursery & International Preschool might be the best fit for your family.
This post is sponsored by Blue House Nursery & International School.