In Anya Kamenetz’ book, “How To Raise Brilliant Children According To Science”, the details mentioned are very similar to the emergent curriculum of Reggio Emilia. Across some regions, this pedagogy is rising in popularity and is a trusted method in other parts of the world. So what exactly is the Reggio Emilia method?
Origins of Reggio Emilia
Following the destruction of World War II, Loris Malaguzzi (along with the strong sense of community) founded this visionary method of teaching in Reggio Emilia, a town in the northern region of Italy. Through identifying the strong connection between children, life and education, the philosophy of an emergent curriculum came to fruition. The town of Reggio Emilia is still thriving to this day, over 50 years since reparations were made.
What is Reggio Emilia
Understanding the philosophy of this method greatly expands the mind of how the idea may work. The guiding principles of the Reggio Emilia approach stand on these pedestals:
- Children are held in high regard – that they have extraordinary potential and are born with many resources.
- The poem ‘The Hundred Languages of Children’ is a metaphor for the extraordinary potential of children.
- Participation and values foster dialogue and a sense of belonging to a community.
- The flow of quality information via documentation introduces the parents to the quality of knowing that tangibly changes expectations.
- The research represents one of the most important dimensions of life both the child and adult which must be recognised and valued.
Why Odyssey The Global Preschool
Our school was first erected in Singapore in 2008 after an exhibition of the infamous poem, ‘The Hundred Languages of Children’ and followed by an inspiring trip to the birth town of the philosophy of Reggio Emilia in Italy. Due to the popularity of the school’s emergent curriculum, the Reggio Emilia-inspired building of Odyssey, The Global Preschool, was brought to Setia Alam, Malaysia in 2014.
Our global preschool is not only known for its Reggio Emilia pedagogy of Italian roots, but also for the innovative international teachings from the United States and the United Kingdom. The preschool offers an award-winning curriculum within a fully equipped campus designed for exploratory and self-directed learning.
The focus is always on the child, promoting an educational culture of collaboration through active and competent learning while acknowledging and utilising the role of the environment as an active teacher.
It is truly a unique experience for curious learners to expand their knowledge while developing critical skills during the developmental years of their life. Through Odyssey, The Global Preschool’s unique emergent curriculum, the children are also able to confidently develop a good sense of self which is carried forth into formal education and beyond.