Free Essay on Nurturing Potential: Unveiling the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education

A child’s image is among the primary underlying principles of the Reggio Emilia approach to education. According to Malaguzzi (1994), a child’s image perceives the child as competent, powerful, strong, rich in potential, and connected to other children as well as adults. Malaguzzi’s approach is a contrast to other common images of a child such as acted upon, passive, lacking, or following a specific predetermined path set out by older people as well as innate development (Malaguzzi, 1994). Children are active learners who seek the world’s meaning from birth, a co-creators of knowledge, values, culture, and identity, born with hundreds of languages, the subject of rights, not needs, and a citizen. The theory of the childhood hundred languages refers to the various ways people communicate, represent, and express their thinking in varying media and symbolic systems (Malaguzzi, 1994). I perceive children as future generations who should be cared for while still young. Children are often learners who organize and assemble materials through trial and error, which turns into perfection after frequent practice. Thus, with great supervision from teachers and parents, they might be nurtured at an early age to be able to differentiate between right and wrong.

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The image of a child needs transformation in the role of an early childhood educator: from the application of prescribed methods by a technician to producing predefined results to a “rich” democratic, and reflective professional. Children must concentrate on creating and building possibilities instead of pursuing predefined aims and objectives, assuming responsibility to change and reflect, discuss, experiment, and choose, focusing on the organization of chances instead of the anxiety of pursuing results as well as maintaining in their task the pleasure of wonder and amazement (Edwards, 1993) The roles of an early childhood educator include:

They must develop a schedule and enforce routine for children as young children must follow a strict schedule that includes daily routines, such as going to the restroom, washing hands, eating lunch and snacks, and participating in reading, math, science, and music activities. Daily routines and activities keep the children occupied and productive as well as help them learn to function in a structured environment. Besides, an early childhood educator must develop a schedule that allows for rest time and unstructured outside play (Malaguzzi, 1994).

Early childhood educators also have a role in maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for the child as good learning is always achieved in a good and conducive environment. The action applies to inspecting the children's environment to ensure the safety of equipment and materials and removing or repairing any items that pose a threat to the children (Edwards, 1993) They should also foster a safe and comfortable environment through clear, positive, and encouraging words and actions to help the children feel comfortable and confident within their surroundings (Parkland Players Child Care Center, 2016).

Nevertheless, they should observe and communicate with the children in a language the duo understands. Observing the children's behavior and noting changes is important as they can always assess the progress of the students' development (Edwards, 1993) Later, the ECE communicates their observations to the children's parents at regular intervals in case they are concerned about a child’s behavior and development. According to Reggio Emilia, an early childhood educator is supported by “pedagogistas” who are experienced and trained educators who help educators deepen their learning process and understanding of pedagogical works (Edwards, 1993). “Atelieristas” on the other hand, develop visual language function in childhood learning. In most cases, early childhood educators often connect the imaginative, rational, expressive, and cognitive development of a child and bring an aesthetic dimension to the process of learning (Edwards, 1993).

According to the Reggio Emilia Philosophy and model, the curriculum method and approach and ideal education for children include using environmental stimulation as it allows children to explore their environment that later helps them to communicate their feelings and ideas (Parkland Players Child Care Center, 2016). Also, there is the involvement of long-term projects where children are allowed to try new thoughts and ideas that help explore and analyze numerous open-ended questions through curiosity, thus, helping them think broadly (Parkland Players Child Care Center, 2016). Nevertheless, according to Reggio Emilia, the use of symbols and logos are important way of teaching children such that a way of promoting everyday vocabulary is by having students verbally label common brands and symbols which often helps in language development (Edwards, 1993).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ideal education for children is having a good understanding of child development and providing materials that will help in cognitive child development. Parents and teachers should understand that the environment they provide for their children, their teaching style, and the activities and experiences they offer help in educating and morally upbringing the children. Therefore, parents and teachers should strive to give their children the best education that will help nurture and shape their moral behavior, and understanding, as well as physical, cognitive, and mental development.

References

Edwards, C. (1993). The hundred languages of children: The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. Ablex Publishing Corporation, 355 Chestnut Street, Norwood, NJ 07648 (hardcopy: ISBN-0-89391-927-6, $54.95; paperback: ISBN-0-89391-933-0, $24.95). https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED355034

Malaguzzi, L. (1994). Your image of the child: Where teaching begins. Child care information exchange, 52-52. http://feelgood-designs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/malaguzzi-ccie-1994.pdf

Parkland Players Child Care Center. (2016). History and Philosophy of the Reggio Emilia Approach. YouTube.[Video]. https://youtu.be/V1xjesnbmzI