Monday, December 27, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
How it all started?
I've been wanting to know more about the Reggio Emilia Approach (REA) since last year. The approach seems interesting, alive with hands-on activities and is very much child-centred, or so I thought. It will be good to learn more about it and see if I can integrate it to Little Beans.
I read some books, was fascinated with the project-based approach, the concept of the ateliar and how art becomes a very important part of the curriculum. However, how to go about introducing the REA? Seems like a insurmountable task!
I wanted to extend part of the garden, to build a mini open hall and possibly to use it as a starting point for the REA. It will be a good place for a mini ateliar, to put up the documentation as well as to serve as an area parents to mingle and get the updates of our activities while waiting for their children. Children can play, dance, create or build projects in here too. I must admit, though, it is sounds heavy-duty for such a small place!
Incidentally, I am fortunate enough to attend a 3-days workshop on the REA. Very timely to help me put my thoughts in perspective and how to plan my next actions. 3 important steps that I will concentrate on:
1) To change the environment, incorporating the REA.
Aesthetic beauty is the key.
2) Making the children's learning visible through documentation.
3) Changing the mindset of the teachers and parents subtly, but surely.
I read some books, was fascinated with the project-based approach, the concept of the ateliar and how art becomes a very important part of the curriculum. However, how to go about introducing the REA? Seems like a insurmountable task!
I wanted to extend part of the garden, to build a mini open hall and possibly to use it as a starting point for the REA. It will be a good place for a mini ateliar, to put up the documentation as well as to serve as an area parents to mingle and get the updates of our activities while waiting for their children. Children can play, dance, create or build projects in here too. I must admit, though, it is sounds heavy-duty for such a small place!
Incidentally, I am fortunate enough to attend a 3-days workshop on the REA. Very timely to help me put my thoughts in perspective and how to plan my next actions. 3 important steps that I will concentrate on:
1) To change the environment, incorporating the REA.
Aesthetic beauty is the key.
2) Making the children's learning visible through documentation.
3) Changing the mindset of the teachers and parents subtly, but surely.
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