Being Reggio-inspired means thoughtfully adapting the core principles of the Reggio Emilia approach within your unique teaching context. We embrace the fundamental belief that children are capable protagonists of their own learning, while recognizing that implementation will look different in each community. This approach blends visible thinking strategies and mindfulness practices with Reggio principles to create joyful, meaningful learning environments.

While we deeply respect and learn from the original Reggio Emilia schools, authentic adaptation means honoring your unique context, community, and children. We believe the strength of the Reggio-inspired approach lies in how each school thoughtfully interprets these principles while maintaining the core philosophy of respect for children's capabilities and their hundred languages of learning.

The hundred languages refer to the countless ways children express, explore, and understand their world. This beautiful metaphor, from Loris Malaguzzi's poem, reminds us that children communicate through art, movement, play, words, silence, scientific exploration, digital creation, and countless other forms of expression. In our practice, we honor all these languages equally, recognizing them as valid ways of making meaning and sharing understanding.

We start by building understanding of core Reggio principles while reflecting on our current practice. Some initial steps in our journey include:

Observing and documenting how our children naturally learn and express themselves

Creating environments that invite exploration and discovery

Building stronger partnerships with families

Joining our community of practice to learn from others

Starting small with one area or project that excites us

Our Reggio-inspired environments reflect our unique community while serving as the "third teacher." We create thoughtful spaces that:

Invite exploration and creativity

Support collaboration and independence

Display children's work and documentation

Use natural materials and neutral colors

Remain flexible and responsive to children's interests

Feel welcoming and comfortable for all

We've found that Reggio-inspired teaching actually deepens academic learning by connecting it to children's natural curiosity and real-world experiences. Through project work and thoughtful documentation, we make children's thinking visible and create meaningful assessment opportunities. Our approach supports academic growth while nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional development.

We build understanding by:

Sharing documentation that makes learning visible

Inviting colleagues to observe children's engagement

Connecting Reggio principles to current educational research

Starting with small changes that demonstrate positive outcomes

Creating opportunities for professional dialogue and shared learning

We believe meaningful Reggio-inspired teaching is possible in any context. We can:

Focus on using natural and found materials

Transform existing spaces creatively

Document using simple tools like phones or cameras

Build gradually as resources allow

Share resources within our teaching community

We see this as an opportunity for creative integration rather than an either/or choice. Through careful observation and documentation, we:

Connect children's interests to learning standards

Design projects that incorporate multiple learning goals

Use documentation to make learning visible to all stakeholders

Trust in children's natural desire to learn and grow

Maintain flexibility in our planning

Our journey of professional growth includes:

Participating in our community of practice

Engaging in regular reflection and discussion

Documenting and studying our own teaching

Attending professional development opportunities

Connecting with other Reggio-inspired educators

Reading and discussing relevant resources