How the Reggio Emilia Approach Nurtures A Child’s Well-Being

In early childhood education, the Reggio Emilia philosophy is unique in its approach to child-centred learning and holistic development. Originating in Italy after World War II as a response to the traditional, rigid education system prevalent at the time, the Reggio Emilia approach emphasises the profound impact that the environment, relationships and creativity can have on a child’s well-being. Well-being incorporates various aspects of a child’s physical, emotional, social, and cognitive health. When a child’s well-being is supported and nurtured, it creates a solid foundation for optimal growth and learning. In this blog, we’ll explore how the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy nurtures and supports the overall well-being of young learners. 

Creating a Supportive Environment

One of the core concepts of the Reggio Emilia approach is that the environment acts as a powerful ‘Third Educator’. This idea stems from the belief that there’s always a lesson to be learned from our surroundings. By intentionally designing our classrooms to be lively and dynamic, we invite children to engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. For example, natural materials may be introduced during play to stimulate curiosity and exploration. Similarly, colourful objects and warm lighting can help stimulate a child’s senses and energy levels. Our goal is to surround children with aesthetically pleasing and well-organised spaces that support their overall well-being and offer endless opportunities for exploration, discovery, and growth.

Engaging in Child-Centred Learning

Another important factor of the Reggio Emilia philosophy is its emphasis on child-centred learning and collaboration. Educators co-construct the curriculum with children, rather than just being their instructors. They encourage each child to share their perspectives and interests to make learning activities and projects more engaging and relevant. Active listening, documentation and group decision-making are implemented in the classroom to encourage children to express themselves and enthusiastically contribute to their learning. This promotes a sense of identity and encourages children to develop strong communication skills; both important aspects of emotional and social well-being. 

Cultivating Relationships with Families

Moreover, the Reggio Emilia approach extends beyond the classroom to include families and the broader community. Parents and carers especially are essential contributors to their child’s education. At Reggio Emilia, we involve parents and carers in the documentation of their child’s learning, sharing with them daily, weekly and monthly reflections as well as photos of their child’s experiences. We encourage them to add comments to these reflections and discuss their child’s progress at home. We also hold our Friday Connections program once a month. In this program, families are invited to the centre to participate in a range of themed activities with the children and spend quality time with them. This program strengthens the child’s support network and sense of belonging, contributing to their emotional well-being and ability to form meaningful relationships. 

Nurturing the Body with Diet and Exercise

Nurturing a child’s well-being also involves paying attention to their physical health through diet and exercise. At Reggio Emilia Early Learning Centres, we provide nutritious meals and snacks during the day, prepared by a qualified chef. Healthy eating habits are reinforced by offering children a variety of fresh and tasty meals and involving them in discussions about food choices. Additionally, we encourage children to grow their love of physical activity by engaging in play and sports. This is especially highlighted in our Reggio Fitness program, which focuses on teaching motor and coordination skills. Regular physical activity promotes physical health and contributes to emotional well-being by releasing ‘feel good’ chemicals like endorphins and serotonin in the brain and increasing positive mood.

Embracing Creative Expression

Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the Reggio Emilia approach, believed that children have a multitude of ways to express themselves beyond verbal communication, which he encapsulated with the term ‘100 Different Languages’. As such, creative expression is celebrated in the Reggio Emilia approach as a fundamental way of learning. Children are encouraged to use clay, paint, dance, music and more to represent their ideas and demonstrate their understanding of information. This enhances their cognitive development and teaches essential skills around problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking. Additionally, the freedom to explore and experiment with different creative mediums empowers them to communicate their experiences meaningfully. 

Exploring Nature and Outdoor Play

At Reggio Emilia Early Learning Centres, emphasis is placed on connecting children with nature and promoting sustainability through our Reggio Earth program. For example, our centres feature outdoor learning environments, such as gardens, where children can explore and interact with the natural world. Engaging with nature has been shown to benefit a child’s physical and mental well-being, such as reducing stress and inspiring curiosity. In addition to promoting well-being, our outdoor learning environments instil in children a sense of environmental stewardship and responsibility. Through hands-on experiences such as gardening, composting, and even caring for animals, children learn about the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving and protecting the natural world for future generations.

Supporting Diversity and Inclusivity

Inclusivity and diversity are foundational principles of our approach. At Reggio Emilia, we strive to create classroom environments where every child feels valued, respected and included regardless of their differences. Year-round, we arrange events centred around cultural and religious traditions and practices. From Lunar New Year to Christmas, Harmony Day to Indigenous Literacy Day, these events are designed to celebrate the rich diversity of our community and foster a sense of deep belonging among all children and families. By nurturing an inclusive atmosphere, we help to build children’s social-emotional skills, empathy, and tolerance.

From encouraging creative expression to fostering meaningful relationships with families, the Reggio Emilia approach aims to provide a comprehensive framework for nurturing every aspect of a child’s well-being. This is not just foundational to learning—it is the heart of their educational journey, preparing them to flourish in both school and life. To find out more about the Reggio Emilia approach and our commitment to your child’s well-being, feel free to reach out to us on 02 9891 2222 or via email at mail@reggioemilia.com.au.