Enrichment Programs

Overview

The Atelier is an integral part of the Reggio Emilia experience.  As a dedicated space where Scholars can engage in open-ended exploration, they are guided through their artistic journey. Scholars are encouraged to experiment, be creative, ask questions, and make connections. This approach aligns perfectly with the principles of emergent curriculum, where children’s interests drive the learning process.

 

Overview

Libraries can support the Reggio Emilia approach by creating a welcoming environment that inspires creativity and encourages children to explore. Additionally, they can provide a variety of materials and methods for children to express their interests and show their learning. This can include baskets of books, letter provocations, and a mail center.  

Libraries assist in documenting the learning experiences of children, teachers, and families. This can include taking photos, writing down children's words, and saving work samples.

Overview

The Reggio Emilia approach views music as one of many languages that children use to express themselves. It also emphasizes the importance of all arts, including visual arts, dance, and drama.  A music studio can support the Reggio Emilia approach to learning in several ways, including:

• Collaboration
• Open-ended exploration
• Musical choice 
• Music Creation  
• Music technology

Overview

Theatre can support the Reggio Emilia approach by creating a welcoming environment that inspires creativity and encourages children to explore. A Theater program can be used in any subject to take a deep dive into a theme and focus on its reasons, consequences and study and understand it from multiple perspectives.

Overview

The Ray of Light atelier or light art studio is a room that provides various media and tools to support children's project and research learning activities, where children can play and experiment using light [1]. Children are given the freedom to determine and choose the tools and materials to be used in exploration and experiment activities. The Ray of Light activities can be done indoors and outdoors. The spaces for indoor activities are arranged with minimal lighting and dark walls, it is done in order to stimulate children's imagination when using various media. While the use of outdoor spaces requires bright sunlight and favorable weather in order that children can start learning activities well [2].

Discovering the Properties of Light through the Ray of Light Learning

[1] J. Bullard, Creating Learning Environments for Learning. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill/Pearson, 2010
[2] C. Reggio, The Wonder of Learning The Hundred Languages of Children. Italy: Reggio Children, 2017.

Overview

Cooking supports the Reggio Emilia approach by encouraging sensory exploration that can help Scholars develop their observational skills and ask questions.  Cooking can help Scholars develop a sense of responsibility by teaching them to handle sharp knives, clean up, and wash their hands.  

Additionally, Scholars can build their vocabulary and math skills through recipes by learning new words, counting directions, keeping track of ingredient order, and measure ingredients.  Cooking also engages all five senses, which can help children become more familiar with and strengthen them. 

Overview

Physical education (PE) supports the Reggio Emilia approach by building healthy habits through encouraging Scholars to be active and develop healthy habits from a young age. PE activities help children develop motor skills and coordination. Gross motor skills like walking, running, throwing, lifting, and kicking also relate to balance, strength, reaction speed, and body awareness.  

Play-based learning is a key part of the Reggio Emilia approach while regular physical activity can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Overview

The Reggio Emilia approach to education also values natural environments, which are considered a third teacher. In this approach, Scholars learn from their experiences inside and outside the classroom, and are encouraged to explore their interests and collaborate with others. Reggio Emilia playgrounds are designed to use natural elements to encourage imaginative play.