Introduction to Reggio Emilia Pedagogy E-Book

Natalia Graton

• Herausgeber: Tequisté
• Kategorie: Bildung
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 79

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

The Reggio Emilia Pedagogy is an innovative and inspiring approach that sees the child as strong, capable, and resilient; full of wonder and knowledge. It maintains that each child brings with them a deep curiosity and potential, and this innate curiosity drives their interest in understanding their world and their place in it. This book aims to serve as inspiration for parents, caregivers, and teachers of young children and preschoolers, so they can sow the seeds of creativity and confidence necessary to support the children in their lives.

Leseprobe

Introduction to Reggio Emilia Pedagogy

Natalia Graton

Copyright © 2024 Natalia Graton

© of the texts: Natalia Graton, 2022© of this edition: Editorial Tequisté, 2024Original title: Introducción a la pedagogía Reggio Emilia©2023 TequistéTraduction: Sol NeoReviewed by: Lourdes ScaliseEditorial coordination: M. Fernanda KarageorgiuEditorial and graphic design: Alejandro Arrojo1st edition: march 2024Editorial Tequisté:[email protected]: @tequisteYouTube: @tequisteFacebook: @tequisteeditorialWP: AR  [phone]WP: ES  [phone]ISBN: 978-987-8958-64-4According to the Argentine copyright law (11.723)No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.BOOK EDITED IN ARGENTINA---Graton, NataliaIntroduction to Reggio Emilia Pedagogy / Natalia Graton. - 1a ed - Pilar : Tequisté. TXT, 2024.Libro digital, EPUBArchivo Digital: descarga y onlineTraducción de:   Sol Neo.ISBN 978-987-8958-64-41. Pedagogía. 2. Material Auxiliar para la Enseñanza . 3. Estrategias de Aprendizaje. I.  Sol Neo, trad. II. Título.CDD 370.158

Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Prologue

Introduction

Chapter 1

What is Reggio Emilia Pedagogy?

Chapter 2

The Role of the Adult in the Child's Learning

Chapter 3

What Role Does the Environment Play in a Child's Learning?

Chapter 4

Art in Children from a New Perspective

Chapter 5

Materials: examples, how to choose and use the

Chapter 6

Guidelines for exploring the child's interests

Chapter 7

"Provocations". Examples of Reggio-inspired Activities for Home and School

Final Thoughts

Acknowledgments

About The Author

To Martín, Agustín and Juan Pablo

Prologue

I met Natalia Graton almost by chance, seven years ago, while I was searching for fresh perspectives to share with families. What's curious about this story is that we connected virtually, and here's a secret: we still haven't met in person. I'm in Spain, and she's in Argentina, separated by many kilometers. Yet, distance has not hindered our close connection during many significant moments in our lives.

Let me share part of the story. I was seeking an expert in the Reggio Emilia Approach, and in my quest, I found that most of the information was in English. However, my journey led me to a marvelous website, authored by Natalia Graton. I was captivated by the articles and the visually rich photos she shared. I remember entering one of her articles and ending up reading half of her publications. So, I decided to reach out to her, hoping that together, in a way we hadn't yet discovered, we could extend the reach of the Reggio Emilia Approach.

The idea was both simple and complex because, seven years ago, many of the technological resources we use daily today didn't exist. So, in a sense, we invented our own way to sow the seeds and spread the foundations of the Reggio Emilia Approach a bit further.

We embarked on an adventure that, for several years, aided many families and childhood professionals in shifting their perspectives within active pedagogies. It helped them explore the riches of this approach and allowed them to have Natalia as their guide, shining a light through her unique way of connecting.

I'm confident that the book you're reading right now will be a treasure chest waiting to be uncovered, not only for children but also for families and professionals. Believe me, you'll be astonished by all the languages you'll identify from now on in your children and students, as well as within yourself. As Loris Malaguzzi once said, "The one hundred is there", and you'll see it here.

A piece of advice I offer, let yourself be led by Natalia; she will guide you through this book into one of the most marvelous approaches to learning, and I dare say it will leave a lasting impact on you because you'll remember it throughout your life.

Welcome, everyone, to this beautiful journey.

Lee Lima

Author of Babytribu.com

Introduction

When I was pregnant, eagerly anticipating the arrival of my first child, who is now 12 years old, my husband and I felt the profound need for our children to grow up surrounded by creativity, with both the space and time to explore the world at their own pace. It was then that I embarked on a journey of research and study into alternative and lesser-known pedagogical approaches to learning.

As I delved into this quest, I stumbled upon the Reggio Emilia approach, and it was love at first sight. At that time, there was hardly any material available in Spanish, so I immersed myself in the world of Reggio Emilia, primarily in English. I devoured numerous books, attended courses, and dedicated several years to preparing myself, all the while applying what I learned with my son.

I cultivated the environment of my home, drawing inspiration from this pedagogy. Two years later, my second child arrived, and navigating this path with my eldest son had made everything simpler. Both, from a very early age, enjoyed artistic explorations, embarked on wondrous self-directed projects, and gradually, I evolved into their mentor. They always steered their own learning. I bore witness to how their curiosity served as their compass, how their love for learning blossomed, a love they continue to nurture and cherish to this day.

This book springs forth from a heartfelt and humble intention, to serve as a wellspring of inspiration for parents, guardians, and educators of young children and preschoolers alike. May you sow within yourself the seeds of creativity and the essential confidence required to accompany the children who grace your life.

Chapter 1

What is Reggio Emilia Pedagogy?

Nothing without Joy.

Loris Malaguzzi

I chose to begin with this quote from Loris Malaguzzi because, in my view, it beautifully encapsulates the concept that children should live with joy. The learning they internalize should be fostered through that most natural state in them: with Joy.

One of the aspects of Reggio Emilia pedagogy that most captivated me is the image it holds of the child, how it respects their condition as a child, where childhood is a marvelous state in human development. Here, young ones, guided by loving and dedicated adults, possess the innate ability to guide their own learning.

Reggio Emilia pedagogy is an innovative and inspiring approach that envisions the child as strong, capable, and resilient, brimming with wonder and knowledge. It asserts that each child carries within them a deep curiosity and potential, and this innate curiosity drives their interest in understanding their world and their place within it.

Typically, Reggio pedagogy is applied in preschools and early childhood settings. However, with an understanding of its core principles, this approach, as a source of inspiration, can be adapted to use at home.

The fundamental principles are as follows:

• Children can construct their own learning.

• Children form an understanding of themselves and their place in the world through their interactions with others.

• Children are communicators.

• The environment is the third teacher.

• Adults serve as mentors and guides.

• Emphasis is placed on documenting children's thoughts.

• It acknowledges the "Hundred Languages" of children.

Overview

Historical Overview of Reggio Emilia Pedagogy

The history of Reggio Emilia schools dates back to the year 1945 in a small town named Reggio Emilia, located in northern Italy (hence the name of this Approach). At the end of World War II, the residents of the town felt the need for change and embarked on the reconstruction of the city, starting with education.

Mothers with young children sought a way to overcome the deep traumas and scars left by the war, aiming to offer their children a new future that began with a different approach to education, one that emphasized transforming the culture of childhood. Thus, this project was born, involving parents, teachers, and children. The entire community contributed to the construction of kindergartens and nurseries (known as "nidi," or preschools, in Italy).

Loris Malaguzzi, a journalist and educator, came across a news article about this story and traveled to Reggio Emilia with the intention of writing a report for his newspaper. He was deeply moved by the experience and became the foremost proponent of the initiative, bringing his knowledge and vision about children to the forefront.

To a large extent, thanks to Loris Malaguzzi's commitment, the first municipal preschool for children aged 3 to 6 was established in 1963. Subsequently, in 1971, the first preschool for children aged 0 to 3 was created.

Loris Malaguzzi succeeded in bringing together Italian preschool educators to create spaces for young girls and boys, considering the perspectives of various authors, theories, and concepts. Their goal was to incorporate the most positive aspects of each approach.

Today, the city of Reggio Emilia serves as a gathering place for parents and professionals from various fields, offering inspiration and the opportunity to implement a different approach to education.

Theories Underlying Reggio Emilia Pedagogy

Reggio Emilia pedagogy has been influenced by several authors. Here, we will mention some of them:

• PIAGET: Reggio Emilia pedagogy aligns with Piaget's thinking and directs its approach toward an active child capable of independent learning. It respects and stimulates their potential. In Reggio, the environment is prepared, and conditions are created for learning to take place.

• VYGOTSKY: Reggio coincides with Vygotsky in emphasizing the potential that children possess and what they can achieve with the guidance of an adult and in their interactions with peers. It also agrees on the importance of a supportive environment and encouragement for children to express themselves in their various languages.