Preschool Philosophies: Reggio Emilia Approach | NO SMALL MATTER

Summary

In this video, Jessica Spangler shares an in-depth look at the Velma Thomas Early Childhood Center, a preschool that embraces the Reggio Emilia approach. The philosophy encourages a child's development through arts-based and play-based learning, where children are seen as active participants in their education. Emphasizing creativity, natural materials, and sensory exploration, the school fosters a rich, community-driven environment where both children and parents are engaged in the learning process. The space encourages movement, creativity, and independence, making it a unique and inspiring place for early childhood education.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Velma Thomas Early Childhood Center is a preschool program for children ages 3 to 5 in the Chicago area.
• 😀 The school follows the Reggio Emilia approach, focusing on children as active participants in their own learning.
• 😀 A core principle of Reggio Emilia is 'The Hundred Languages of Children,' emphasizing that children have multiple ways of expressing themselves, including through art, language, and building.
• 😀 The curriculum is arts-based, with an emphasis on play—both structured and unstructured.
• 😀 Velma Thomas promotes a community environment that encourages strong family involvement and teaches parents their rights as the child's first teachers.
• 😀 The rug space is a central area for movement and play, where children engage with natural materials like shells, rocks, and sticks to explore math concepts.
• 😀 The classroom is designed with different levels to offer varied perspectives, such as the loft area that provides a unique view and space for creative activities.
• 😀 Organization is key in the classroom; materials are kept minimal yet accessible to encourage children to fully engage with what’s available.
• 😀 Literacy is integrated throughout the classroom, with labels and symbols that help children associate words with objects, even before they can read.
• 😀 Sensory exploration is a constant throughout the classroom, not limited to designated areas like the water and sand tables, but integrated into other activities like clay, playdough, and wire use.

Q & A

What type of program is offered at the Velma Thomas Early Childhood Center?

The Velma Thomas Early Childhood Center offers a preschool program for children aged three to five in the Chicago area, serving Chicago Public Schools.

What is the main educational philosophy followed at Velma Thomas?

Velma Thomas follows the Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasizes children's agency in their learning, a strong focus on the arts, and play-based learning.

What does the 'hundred languages' of children refer to in the Reggio Emilia approach?

The 'hundred languages' concept refers to the belief that children express themselves in multiple ways beyond just verbal language. These can include painting, building, movement, and other forms of expression.

How does Velma Thomas incorporate arts into their curriculum?

Velma Thomas integrates a heavily arts-based curriculum, where children can engage in activities like painting, drawing, and other creative expressions as part of their learning process.

What role does play have in the Velma Thomas curriculum?

Play is central to the curriculum at Velma Thomas, with a balance of unstructured and structured playtime. Children are active participants in their learning and engage in both free play and guided activities.

What is emphasized in Velma Thomas's relationship with families?

Velma Thomas places a strong emphasis on building a community with families. They focus on helping parents understand their role as the first teachers and ensuring they know their rights within the educational system.

What is a distinctive feature of the learning environment at Velma Thomas?

A distinctive feature of the Velma Thomas classroom is the use of natural materials, such as shells, rocks, and sticks, to create an engaging and tactile environment for learning, particularly for math activities and building projects.

How does the classroom layout support children's learning?

The classroom layout at Velma Thomas includes multi-level spaces, such as lofts and different play areas, allowing children to explore and interact from various perspectives. This setup encourages active engagement and creativity.

Why is organization important in the Reggio Emilia approach at Velma Thomas?

Organization is crucial in the Reggio Emilia approach because it helps children focus on the materials available to them without feeling overwhelmed. Teachers ensure that only necessary materials are provided, promoting creativity and critical thinking.

What types of sensory activities are provided at Velma Thomas?

Sensory activities at Velma Thomas include tactile experiences such as using clay, playdough, sand, water, and natural materials like dirt and acorns. These activities are integrated throughout the classroom and are not limited to a specific sensory area.