Ways to Bring Reggio Emilia Education Home

The Reggio Emilia early childhood educational philosophy is based on the belief that a child is a competent, capable, and natural researcher who has the desire for knowledge and life and is always ready for challenges. A Reggio Emilia education involves a wide range of activities that support a child’s natural curiosity. There are many ways you can bring the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy into your home.

Reggio Emilia at home

Here are some ways you can bring Reggio Emilia into the home:

  • Create an engaging learning space. The Reggio Emilia educational approach believes in the environment as a third teacher. Learning spaces should be both thoughtful and inviting, and materials should inspire a child’s curiosity. No matter how much space you have at home, try to create a comfortable and engaging area where your child can easily access art materials, or read and write without distraction.
  • Have learning materials easily accessible. In addition to creating an engaging learning space, ensure that your child has access to learning materials throughout the home. Reggio Emilia believes that natural materials and recycled items are as ideal for learning as traditional toys and games, so it’s easy to use items you already have around the house. For example, your child can learn math skills by pouring different volumes of water into measuring cups. Or, they can create art using natural materials such as pinecones, pebbles, leaves, and flowers.
  • Get your child involved in learning. Reggio Emilia learning is child-led, so look for ways to support your child’s own curiosity and problem-solving skills at home. Whether it’s strategizing about the best way to build a block tower, or creating a meal together using ingredients you already have, your child’s own imagination can build their creativity and confidence.
  • Embrace dramatic play. When children play, they’re learning valuable skills that will stick with them for the rest of their lives. Dramatic play is a low-stakes, child-centered way to support language skills, social skills, motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving.
  • Support your child’s interests. When a child is supported in investigating their own interests and ideas, they build self-confidence and develop their talents. By supporting your child’s natural aptitude, you’re helping them to build a strong foundation to prosper in life with confidence and skill.
  • Have meaningful conversations with your child. The Reggio Emilia philosophy makes the child the leader of their own learning. You can support this by having open-ended, curious conversations with your child. Support their expression and ideas, and they will feel empowered to continue investigating the world around them.
  • Talk with your child’s teachers. Your child’s preschool is your ideal partner in bringing Reggio Emilia home. A fundamental process of a Reggio Emilia education is documentation, and your child’s teacher will have a wealth of information about your child’s interests, observations, and ideas. They can work with you in supporting your child to continue their learning at home.