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About us > Reggio Emilia
International attention has focused on the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy since they
were selected by NEWS WEEK as "the best early childhood institute in the world." In
the Reggio approach the curriculum builds upon the interests of the children. Projects
are in-depth explorations of topics that are motivated by the excitement and curiosity
of young children.
The method of in-depth study of topics in projects is through observation,
experimentation, books and technology. We believe in the 100 Languages of a child.
Children "represent" the topic through "language" such as music, drama, story,
construction, sculpture, paint and drawing. The teacher's written observations of the
children's questions and conversations serve to guide the project.
Collaboration is key. Children are encouraged to communicate, critique, negotiate,
hypothesize and problem solve as they work in small groups. Teachers are
researchers with the children, as they guide, lend their expertise and document the
children's learning. We document your child and support it with portfolio assessment.
Each class in Building Blocks School is staffed with two teachers: however, in the
Reggio Emilia approach the environment is considered the "third teacher." The
classroom is set up to inspire, nurture and encourage discovery. Every corner of every
space has an identity and purpose, and provides opportunities from learning. The
outside playground/classroom for the children offers an additional space for
exploration: there is a sand area, picnic tables, climbing tire, gardens, stage, water
tables, kitchen area for dramatic play, art area, and lots of tot riders. The design takes
into account the developmental characteristics and learning style of each child.
We at Building Blocks School believe that our vision for early childhood education is
reinforced by the Reggio Emilia Approach.
International attention has focused on the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy since they
were selected by NEWS WEEK as "the best early childhood institute in the world." In
the Reggio approach the curriculum builds upon the interests of the children. Projects
are in-depth explorations of topics that are motivated by the excitement and curiosity
of young children.
The method of in-depth study of topics in projects is through observation,
experimentation, books and technology. We believe in the 100 Languages of a child.
Children "represent" the topic through "language" such as music, drama, story,
construction, sculpture, paint and drawing. The teacher's written observations of the
children's questions and conversations serve to guide the project.
Collaboration is key. Children are encouraged to communicate, critique, negotiate,
hypothesize and problem solve as they work in small groups. Teachers are
researchers with the children, as they guide, lend their expertise and document the
children's learning. We document your child and support it with portfolio assessment.
Each class in Building Blocks School is staffed with two teachers: however, in the
Reggio Emilia approach the environment is considered the "third teacher." The
classroom is set up to inspire, nurture and encourage discovery. Every corner of every
space has an identity and purpose, and provides opportunities from learning. The
outside playground/classroom for the children offers an additional space for
exploration: there is a sand area, picnic tables, climbing tire, gardens, stage, water
tables, kitchen area for dramatic play, art area, and lots of tot riders. The design takes
into account the developmental characteristics and learning style of each child.
We at Building Blocks School believe that our vision for early childhood education is
reinforced by the Reggio Emilia Approach.
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| "What children learn does not follow as an automatic result from what is taught. Rather, it is in large part due to the children’s own doing as a consequence of their activities and our resources. ~ Loris Malaguzzi, Reggio Emilia, Italy |
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Copyright Building Blocks Preschool 2011
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Self portrait of a 5 year old student
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| Building the Foundation for a Love of Learning |