If you've been looking at day cares, you may have seen the words "Reggio Emilia inspired." Here's what it means, and what it looks like for your child at Shining Stars.
Where it comes from
The Reggio Emilia approach grew out of the town of Reggio Emilia in northern Italy after the Second World War. Parents and educators there set out to create schools that treated young children as capable thinkers. Their ideas now inspire early learning programs all over the world.
The big ideas
Children are capable
Children aren't empty vessels waiting to be filled. They arrive full of questions, theories and ideas. Our job is to listen, wonder alongside them and help them dig deeper.
The room is a teacher
You'll notice our rooms are calm and uncluttered, with natural light, real materials and open-ended items like blocks, loose parts, fabric and clay. A well-designed space invites children to explore on their own.
The hundred languages of children
Children show what they know in many ways: drawing, building, dancing, painting, storytelling and play. We give them lots of ways to express their thinking, not just words.
Projects follow curiosity
When a group of children becomes fascinated by something, like the snow outside or a worm in the garden, it can grow into a project that lasts days or weeks.
Learning is made visible
We document children's work with photos, notes and displays. This helps children reflect on their learning, and helps you see what your child is thinking and discovering.
What this means for your family
Expect to see your child's artwork and projects on the walls, hear about the questions they're exploring, and be invited to share your own ideas and traditions. Families are partners at Shining Stars.
Curious to learn more? Contact us.