During the long winter we decided if USM called school off due to the cold temperatures we would call each other and begin writing a grant proposal to attend a study tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy. Writing this grant has been something we have talked about for many years, and a day off of school due to the weather was just what we needed to get our dream off the ground. It took us several weeks to complete, meeting after school and emailing drafts to one another to edit and improve. Finally, we turned in our 10 page finished project, complete with photos (as preprimary teachers do!), and waited patiently to hear back from the committee. Professional development is something that USM believes deeply in and the Think Big grant program is a way for teachers to do just that... THINK BIG and look to opportunities above and beyond the usual courses and workshops. Teachers are encouraged to look for opportunities that inspire them. And here we are... on our way to the airport and writing our first blog post!

Reggio Emilia is a city located in Emilia Romagna in Northern Italy. Here, Loris Malaguzzi founded a world-renowned preschool program that puts into practice many of the fundamental aspects of the work of Dewey, Piaget, Vygotsky, and more recently connects to the works of Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory. The Reggio Emilia schools have been praised by educators around the world for their commitment to innovation and are built upon a solid foundation of connected philosophical principles and extensive experience. These schools are known among early childhood educators to be some of the best early childhood learning programs around the world. 

The early childhood program is based around the role of collaboration among children, teachers, and parents. The co-construction of knowledge and interdependence of individual and social learning are key aspects of Reggio education. The curriculum emerges from the interests of the children. The teachers act as researchers by providing opportunities, materials, and a framework for children to explore, problem solve, and make conclusions, weaving skills and outcomes into the project work. The environment is the “third teacher” and enhances the learning experience.  This is project-based learning at its best.  As University School embraces a strategic plan based around learning in new and more creative ways, we want to observe, discuss, and learn from the best in order to make authentic, experiential learning the hallmark of our preprimary practice.

The Reggio educational experience claimed International fame in 1991 when a jury of international experts identified the Diana Municipal Preschool (representing the network of municipal infant-toddler centers and preschools) as the most avant-garde school in the world for education in early childhood.  

We have chosen this study tour to immerse ourselves in the whole Reggio experience – the schools, the approach, the culture, and the city.  Although we have read many books, attended conferences in the United States, and worked on project-based learning in our classrooms, our study has been more of an interpretation of the approach. There is no substitute for seeing the actual schools in action and studying along with professionals from around the country and the world in order to integrate some of the best principles into our own USM preprimary program.

The Reggio Emilia schools utilize some of the best practices in 21^st century teaching and learning. Children gain experience in asking questions and finding answers. They learn to trust themselves, both individually and as a contributing member of the learning group. Children’s curiosity is met with enthusiasm as they have a genuine, invested interest in their learning process. 

During investigations and projects, skills in math, writing, and scientific inquiry are taught and utilized to further the study. The skills then have an immediate, real-world application for the students.  Projects will support skills in a meaningful way for young learners.  

Grazie to all for your support and enthusiasm as we embark on this learning adventure. Stayed tuned for posts as we are able.

Ciao!
Muffie, Sue, and Jen