The Reggio Emilia pedagogy
The Reggio Emilia pedagogy is an educational approach that originated in the town of Reggio Emilia in northern Italy.
It has been an integral part of our educational philosophy because it values the unique perspectives and abilities of each child. Children are capable and competent individuals who construct their own learning through exploration, inquiry, and interaction with their environment. The Reggio Emilia approach also fosters a sense of community and belonging, and encourages lifelong learning through meaningful experiences.
Reggio Emilia elements at KOMPASS are integrated into our early childhood learning in various ways:
1. Emergent, Child-Centered Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed around the interests, needs, and curiosity of our children. Teachers observe and listen to the children, incorporating their ideas and questions into project-based learning experiences.
2. Emphasis on the Arts
We encourage children to express themselves through various creative mediums, fostering their imagination and self-expression.
3. Collaborative Learning
We emphasize collaboration among children, teachers, and parents, providing opportunities for children to work together, problem-solve, and learn from each other’s perspectives.
4. Documentation and Reflection
We document children’s learning experiences in our KOMPASS Development Portfolios through photos and written observations, serving as a tool for reflection, assessment, and communication with parents.
5. Environment as the Third Teacher
The physical environment is considered the “third teacher” after parents and educators.