Being a Reggio Emilia Teacher

“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” by C. S. Lewis

The Reggio Emilia approach is a philosophy of education that combines innovation and inspiration when providing an early childhood education. Every child possesses unique curiosities, possibilities, talents and likes. Teachers in Reggio Emilia Schools strive hard to delve into the essence of each child to ascertain those pearls of elements that can be used to shape up an emergent, individualized curriculum for the child.

Teachers practicing the Reggio Emilia approach are more than mere ‘instructors’. They are the ‘co-partners’ in learning with the children as well as with their parents. Teachers work collaboratively with one another to provide a constructive educational experience to the child. The emergent curriculum is the foundation of teaching in a Reggio Emilia School. This curriculum rests upon a thorough assessment of a child's unique personality and curiosities.

There are several preschools in Brooklyn that have adopted the Reggio Emilia approach of teaching, with specially trained teachers that are dedicated to instill learning in children by means of a specially formulated curriculum.

The role of a Reggio Emilia teacher.

1) An ardent listener

Effective and productive communication is key to this form of education. The teacher listens to the child's thoughts and ideas carefully and analyze them later. The teacher acts as an instigator, prompting children to share their stream of thoughts.

2) A researcher

A Reggio Emilia teacher documents the child's behavior through observation, research, interpretation and collaboration and use this study to formulate an emergent curriculum.

3) Creates stimulating environment

Reggio Emilia teachers provide children with such an environment that stimulates them to interact and learn. This stimulating environment is often called 'the third teacher'.

4) Co-constructor of knowledge

The curriculum in Reggio Emilia is prepared in collaboration with the learning children. The curriculum is based on a child's unique ideas. This concept is also called 'Progettazione', helping foresee directions for possible learning experiences.

5) Co-partners of Parents

Teachers work as equal 'partners' with the child’s parents. The learning at school must run parallel to the experiences at home. For this, teachers and parents work hand-in-hand with each other’s.

6) Supports the child

Unlike other conventional teachers, these teachers believe that children are competent enough to learn from their environment with minimal guidance. Teachers become ‘partners’ with the child and let their ideas run freely through the classroom.

There are several Preschools in Brooklyn, which have adopted the Reggio Emilia approach to magnify and enrich their teaching experience. The Reggio Emilia is a philosophy of education where a student tries to learn, being assisted and encouraged by an educator. The children learn along with several playful activities and the teachers help them keep the learning going.