Reggio Emilia vs. Reggio Emilia Inspired

Attribute	Reggio Emilia	Reggio Emilia Inspired
Philosophy	Child-centered, project-based approach	Adaptation of Reggio Emilia principles in a different setting
Environment	Beautiful, organized, and inspiring learning spaces	Emphasis on creating aesthetically pleasing environments
Documentation	Focus on documenting children's learning processes	Use of documentation to track and assess children's progress
Teacher Role	Facilitator, collaborator, and researcher	Encourages teachers to take on a more active role in children's learning
Parent Involvement	Strong emphasis on parent participation and collaboration	Encourages parents to be actively involved in their child's education

History and Background

Reggio Emilia is a city in northern Italy that is known for its innovative approach to early childhood education. The Reggio Emilia approach was developed after World War II by psychologist Loris Malaguzzi and parents in the region who wanted to create a new educational system for young children. This approach is based on the belief that children are capable, curious, and full of potential, and that they should be active participants in their own learning.

Reggio Emilia Inspired programs, on the other hand, are not located in the city of Reggio Emilia itself, but are inspired by the principles and practices of the original Reggio Emilia approach. These programs can be found in various countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. While they may not adhere strictly to all aspects of the original approach, they are influenced by its core values and philosophy.

Philosophy and Principles

Both Reggio Emilia and Reggio Emilia Inspired programs share a similar philosophy that views children as competent and capable individuals who learn best through hands-on experiences and exploration. They both emphasize the importance of the environment as the "third teacher," with carefully designed spaces that encourage creativity, collaboration, and inquiry. Both approaches also value the role of the teacher as a co-learner and facilitator of children's learning.

One key difference between the two approaches is that Reggio Emilia programs are typically located in the city of Reggio Emilia itself and are part of the municipal early childhood education system. These programs are guided by a set of principles and practices that have been developed over decades of collaboration between educators, parents, and community members in the region. Reggio Emilia Inspired programs, on the other hand, are often run by private organizations or individual schools, and may have more flexibility in how they interpret and implement the principles of the approach.

Curriculum and Learning Experiences

In both Reggio Emilia and Reggio Emilia Inspired programs, the curriculum is emergent and child-centered, meaning that it is based on the interests and ideas of the children in the program. Teachers in both approaches use observations and documentation to guide their planning and decision-making, and they create learning experiences that are open-ended and allow for multiple perspectives and interpretations.

Reggio Emilia programs often place a strong emphasis on the arts, including visual arts, music, and drama, as tools for expression and communication. Children in these programs may have regular opportunities to work with a variety of materials and media, and to engage in long-term projects that involve collaboration and problem-solving. Reggio Emilia Inspired programs may also incorporate the arts into their curriculum, but they may do so in a way that is adapted to the resources and constraints of their particular setting.

Parent and Community Involvement

Both Reggio Emilia and Reggio Emilia Inspired programs value the involvement of parents and the wider community in the education of young children. In Reggio Emilia programs, parents are seen as partners in their children's learning, and are encouraged to participate in decision-making, planning, and evaluation. These programs often have strong ties to the local community, with regular opportunities for children to interact with artists, scientists, and other professionals.

Reggio Emilia Inspired programs also emphasize the importance of building relationships with parents and the community, but they may do so in a way that is adapted to their particular context. For example, a Reggio Emilia Inspired program in a rural area may have a different approach to community involvement than a program in an urban setting. Despite these differences, both approaches recognize the value of creating a sense of belonging and connection for children and families.

Professional Development and Training

Teachers in both Reggio Emilia and Reggio Emilia Inspired programs are encouraged to engage in ongoing professional development and training to deepen their understanding of the approach and improve their practice. In Reggio Emilia programs, teachers may have opportunities to participate in study groups, conferences, and visits to other schools in the region. They may also have access to resources and materials that are specific to the approach.

Teachers in Reggio Emilia Inspired programs may have access to similar professional development opportunities, but they may need to seek out training and resources on their own, as they may not be part of a larger network of Reggio Emilia programs. Some organizations offer workshops, conferences, and online courses specifically for educators who are interested in learning more about the Reggio Emilia approach and how to implement it in their own settings.