REGGIO EMILIA APPROACH AT GCS

At Greenbrier Community School we are proud to offer classrooms that are Reggio Emilia Inspired. The Reggio Emilia Approach sees children as capable and competent and as active participants in shaping the classroom environment and studies. Every child brings with them deep curiosity and potential and this innate curiosity drives their interest to understand their world and their place within it. Teachers in our youngest classrooms are constantly reflecting on their teaching practices. The teachers see themselves as co-constructors of knowledge or partners in the children’s learning. Our teachers listen to and observe their students. What are their questions? What stories are they sharing? What ideas are shaping their play and work? From these observations’ teachers provide experiences and opportunities for deep and varied explorations. 

The curriculum is emergent, taking shape as the children reveal their own driving questions. Experiences are student led and teacher framed. To be successful with this manner of teaching and guiding children the teacher must be fully aware of her students – developmental levels, interests, learning styles, and dispositions – as well as appropriate curriculum standards. At GCS teachers know how to scaffold learning, building one experience upon another to allow children to grow and learn each at his own pace. Relationships are at the heart of a Reggio Inspired classroom. At GCS we give a full 6 weeks at the start of every school year to establish the close bonds between the children and teachers that will support our learning and growing throughout the year. Teachers move slowly and deliberately to create trust, respect, and acceptance. 

Throughout the year there is a strong focus on social collaboration and working in small and large groups where each child is an equal participant. The children thrive in an environment that values their thoughts and questions. Children form an understanding of themselves and their place in the world through their relationships and work with others.

At GCS we offer many experiences that bring all the children and teachers in the school community together. Our youngest students are nurtured and supported by all of our students. At GCS we see the classroom itself as an important teacher. We design classrooms that encourage collaboration, communication and exploration. Careful attention is given to all parts of the room. No corner is over-looked. The classroom reflects the vision of children as capable, relationship seeking, competent, and as active participates in shaping their learning. Classrooms are filled with open-ended, intellectually stimulating materials that can inspire explorations. There are spaces for collaborative work and play, as well as those for solitary choices. The classrooms are beautiful and have a home-like quality and reflect the ever-evolving work and play of the children.

‍Observe and listen to children because when they ask “why”? they are not simply asking for answers from you.  They are requesting the courage to find a collection of possible answers.  - Carlina Rinaldi