In 1991, Newsweek Magazine identified the villages around Reggio Emilia, Italy as having the "best early childhood program in the world." Since that time, educators from around the world have flocked to Reggio Emilia to study the methods and practices of these schools.
The Reggio Emilia Fundamentals: The image of the child: This is the cornerstone around which everything else is built, and influences the way the teacher interacts with the child as well as how the environment is arranged. Self-expression is encouraged through "100 languages" which include drawing, painting, weaving, building, writing, dramatic play, singing, sculpting, etc. The role of the teacher: The teacher is a partner in learning with the child. The teacher's role is to act as a resource, provocateur, facilitator, and documenter of learning in the classroom. The teacher trusts the child to make good choices, and takes the child's work seriously. The role of the environment: Through conscious use of space, color, natural light, attractive and appropriate learning materials, and displays of each child's work, the environment serves as the "third" teacher. As a means of enhancing the child's creative, social, and cognitive development, children are offered a wide array of creative media, materials, and activities which support project work and encourage exploration. The project approach: The child learns through cooperating with other children and the teacher in long-term projects based on the child's interests and the use of creative arts as central features of the program. As part of this emergent curriculum, projects follow the child's interests, curiosity, and understandings and support the child's development as a problem-solver. The documentation: Work, play, and conversation are documented through notes, photos, tape recordings, and videos. These artifacts are carefully reviewed by the teachers and help guide their curriculum and project decisions. The atelier: Similar to an art studio, the atelier is a space rich in materials, tools, and creative opportunities. Here the child is encouraged to explore, make discoveries, change his or her point of view, and represent his or her thoughts in "100 languages."
If these fundamentals resonate with the ideals you have for your child's early education, the Children's Discovery Centers throughout the greater Toledo area will certainly be worth exploring.
The curriculum at Children's Discovery Center is based on the world-renowned Reggio-Emilio approach to learning. Their trained teachers encourage your child to see, touch, and do - to paint, weave, plant, write, take a photo, sculpt in clay, and more. Children pursue these projects in small groups, learning to socialize and solve problems as a team. To develop individualization, they are encouraged to express what they have learned in artistic, musical, and theatrical ways. Each child is seen as strong, powerful, competent, capable, social, amazing, and able to be amazed. His or her special qualities are recognized and nurtured. Social skills such as creative problem-solving, conflict resolution, and collaboration are enhanced as the children and teachers work together to design projects which encourage growth in physical, emotional, creative, and intellectual domains.
Now in its 27th year, Children's Discovery Center has grown from the first center in Arrowhead Park, Maumee, to eight locations, providing full-day educational child care for over 1,500 children in the greater Toledo area. For more information call 419-867-8570.
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