 
| |  | An
Integrated Approach to Education |
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| Serendipity
Learning Center has integrated the Reggio Philosophy with
"The Project
Approach" and emergent curriculum as its educational focus. Historically,
the Reggio approach comes out of Italy in the post WWII era. The community of
Reggio Emilia, which is in northern Italy, came together and was committed to
building a school for their children as an investment in their future. The project
was joined by Loris Malaguzzi,
and their approach reflected the belief that
children are active and competent contributors
to society. The community recognized
that everyone had a responsibility in educating and guiding their children as
a collaborative effort, and they respected each child's identity, uniqueness and
purpose. |
| | The
Reggio approach emphasizes the involvement of children, staff and parents in the
learning experience. Education is viewed often as an experiential process and
teachers take on the role
of researchers. Questions and natural curiosity
are fuel for investigation in the classroom and children and adults are all a
part of the interactive and supportive learning environment where children guide
the instructional process.
Emergent
curriculum is used to build upon the interests of the children and collaborative
group
work (both large and small) is considered valuable. Children are encouraged
to dialogue, critique, compare, hypothesize and problem solve through group work.
Documentation (through pictures,
artwork and written reports) is considered
valuable as an important tool in the learning process
for children, teachers
and parents.
Great attention
is given to the environment in the classroom, and the way it looks and feels
is
a large component in the learning process. Classrooms are arranged so the children
learn from the environment itself and they can actively pursue their interests
without adult intervention. It is designed to stimulate curiosity and creativity,
while communicating a sense of warmth, belonging and community. Materials are
accessible and intriguing to foster imagination and are at eye level for the child's
use. Baskets, wooden furniture and fabric are conducive to creating a warm an
inviting atmosphere. Defined centers are used to address the different areas of
curriculum focus and respect and care of the environment is fostered.
The
Reggio philosophy is a natural compliment with the "project approach"
where a classroom
creates a focus of learning on the children's natural curiosity,
a question arising from planned curriculum or a topic of interest. A process called
"webbing" is used to visually track the children's investigation on
a board which is supported by verbal documentation and pictures. Parents are encouraged
to participate in the unfolding progress by helping or just watching the bulletin
board
tell a story of their developing project! Education becomes alive, active
and
exciting for the child and family.
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