How does the Reggio Emilia approach support early childhood development?
The Reggio Emilia approach supports development by treating children as capable, curious researchers and using projects, collaboration, documentation, and a thoughtfully designed environment to deepen learning. Foundational descriptions highlight emergent curriculum, group projects, parent/community involvement, and extensive documentation of learning.
The core idea
Reggio starts with a belief: children don’t need to be “filled up” with information. They need an environment that invites them to wonder, test ideas, and build meaning with others.
5 ways Reggio supports development
- It builds communication skills through collaboration
- Reggio classrooms are social by design. Children practice expressing ideas, listening, negotiating, and revising plans together.
- It deepens thinking through long-term projects
- Project work allows children to explore a topic beyond surface-level activities, which supports persistence and problem-solving.
- The environment acts like a teacher
- Reggio emphasizes the classroom setup as a learning partner. NAEYC resources describe this “environment as the third teacher” concept directly.
- Documentation makes learning visible
- Documentation (photos, quotes, work samples) helps children reflect, helps teachers plan, and helps parents see what’s being learned and why.
- Families are part of the learning community
- Reggio traditions highlight parent/community involvement as essential, not optional.
What to look for on a tour
- Children working in groups on meaningful projects
- Teachers asking questions more than giving answers
- Learning displayed on walls with children’s words and process (not only “cute art”)
- Evidence the classroom evolves based on children’s interests
How Ivybrook brings Reggio-inspired learning to life
Ivybrook’s blended approach intentionally pairs:
- Montessori independence (self-direction, confidence)
- Reggio-inspired collaboration and creativity (projects, expression, group discovery)
That blend is designed to help children both stand on their own and learn with others.
FAQ
Is Reggio structured or unstructured?
It’s structured around observation and projects, not worksheets or rigid schedules.
Does Reggio teach academics?
Yes, but through integrated projects and language-rich exploration, not isolated drills.
Tour a classroom and ask to see documentation. It’s one of the clearest signs of authentic Reggio-inspired practice.