Reggio Emilia vs. reg. preschool?

[CrunchyKnitter]

Can someone help clarify (simply) the differences? I'm finding lots of very intense articles and studies, but at the pre school level I feel there should be just some very simple and easy to understand differences. So far, what I have gathered is RE is play based learning and very family oriented. It seems like most regular pre school programs are like that as well....

[bugginsmom]

Most play-based "regular" preschools follow themes pre-determined by the teacher/curriculum. The Reggio approach uses what is called an "emerging curriculum" and is completely child-led and uses a project approach to learning. Teachers (Facilitators) follows the children's interests and develop the learning experiences around those interests. There is a lot of documentation and revisiting in the Reggio approach. Basically, a subject is explored until it has exhausted itself in the interest of the children. It is a very naturally centered approach to early education. There are many other facets that are different, but that is the major difference between the two. HTH!

[CrunchyKnitter]

Thanks, that makes more sense now

[mrsfru]

DS1, age 4, attends a preschool that is mostly RE (will soon be "all" of there's way for that). Right now, they are "Reggio inspired" (that's what our director calls it--she's been the director there for 20 yrs and this is a new direction, but a natural one for her, as I think she's always run the school mostly this way).

I love it and ds loves it. I like how much the kids' interests are documented--it's so easy to see what they are interested in and where their interests take them. The hallways are covered in photos of the kids along w/the dialogue that was recorded by their teacher in that moment. It's amazing seeing what our kids really get at school--such great transparency--no secrecy. Our school really is a community for all of our kids. I love that atelier (for art) and music are about the whole experience for the children--their first day w/the atelerista, they worked w/clay--in bare feet! LOL At the front door, there is something new every day to catch the kid's interests. There is always music outdoors in the play area, mirrors for different view points, fresh bread, and so much more. So many great sensory experiences available to the children.

I can't say enough good things about our school and their approach. Our previous preschool was so boring and uninteresting in comparison...and the teachers were also not as inspired b/c of it. I'm sure not every "regular" preschool is boring...just that our RE inspired school really *inspires*!