Reggio Emilia Wednesday

Well, as some of you may already know, today is the kick off for Reggio Emilia Wednesday, a place where you can link up your posts that relate to the early childhood approach to learning founded by Loris Malaguzzi.


If you are unfamiliar with the Reggio Emilia approach, I invite you to please start following the Wednesday link ups and see what you think.


So that readers will know, this is not a replacement for our Montessori work period that worked so well in our homeschool last year and even before we officially started to homeschool...


Our Reggio Emilia inspired time will be mostly in the afternoons, where we will have time to delve into long range projects, explore concepts in an art studio setting, or just take in what our community has to offer and then, reflect upon these opportunities as potential springboards for additional projects. 


The Reggio Emilia approach founded by Loris Malaguzzi embraces the project approach and inquiry based learning.


Similar to a Montessori environment, in a Reggio Emilia inspired setting, you will see a very inviting, child friendly space and materials that awaken the senses, especially ones that invite children to explore light, color, texture, and structure.


The more I reflect about both approaches, the more it becomes apparent that these two approaches can really work in tandem to create an awesome homeschool learning environment for my sons.


In an attempt to better understand the notion of a Reggio Emilia inspired art studio, have started to explore and reflect upon the concepts in the book,

The Language of Art: Reggio-Inspired Studio Practices in Early Childhood Settings by  Ann Pelo 

We are now delving into the introduction of the book as part of our book study.

My favorite quotes from the intro: 

...we begin to use the word  "art" to describe a lively process of engagement with a range of materials - an engagement that is sensual and reflective, creative and deliberate, and that deepens and extends children's learning.

and

Take a closer look at the role of art in your life and in the lives of children. Pay attention to the ways in which art invites children to look closely, to ask questions, to take new perspectives, to explore emotions, to examine thinking, and to communicate and listen.

What these quotes mean to me: 

We need to focus in on how art challenges us to think, to reflect, to identify, and to expand our knowledge of the world and its people.
 

In addition to this book, other books on my gotta read short list include:

Ann Pelo (Author)

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The Third Teacher: 79 Ways You Can Use Design to Transform Teaching & Learning by  Inc. OWP/P Cannon Design , VS Furniture , and  Bruce Mau Design 
and  
Bringing Reggio Emilia Home: An Innovative Approach to Early Childhood Education (Early Childhood Education Series)  

by Louise Boyd Cadwell, Lella Gandini, and Lella Gandini
Am really looking forward to what others have to say about how they embrace the Reggio Emilia approach, whether it is in the classroom, art studio, community center, daycare, or homeschool setting. 

The Reggio Emilia approach is more than just arts and crafts projects and block play...it really looks at the learning process as one that involves the parents, the child, and the community. It looks at the learning environment as " the third teacher", which makes a huge difference if you want to successfully try to integrate this approach into your homeschool or classroom. 

Well, can't wait to read what you all decide to link up related to Malaguzzi's pedagogy and the Reggio Emilia approach.


Happy Wednesday!