What Is the Reggio Emilia Approach—and Why Do We Love It?

What is the Reggio Emilia Approach?

The Reggio Emilia approach is a child-centered way of teaching that sees children as capable, curious, and full of ideas. Instead of following a rigid lesson plan, teachers watch what sparks children’s interest, then build meaningful learning and projects around it, encompassing all the preschool standards.

At Explorer Children’s School in Castro Valley, this fits beautifully with how children learn best: through play, nature, conversation, all forms of art, STEM exploration, and hands-on discovery.

The core ideas are simple:

• Children are capable. They come to school with questions, ideas, and a natural desire to understand the world.

• Learning grows from curiosity. A puddle, a caterpillar, or a ramp can become the beginning of a rich investigation.

• Teachers are co-learners, researchers and documenters. We listen closely, ask open-ended questions, and build on what children are wondering.

• The environment matters. Calm, thoughtful spaces help children feel safe, focused, and ready to explore. Materials offered are chosen specifically to promote differentiated learning through use.

• Children have countless ways of thinking, expressing themselves, and making sense of the world. This idea is known as the "Hundred Languages of Children"—the belief that children communicate their learning through art, movement, music, construction, storytelling, dramatic play, nature, conversation, and so much more. Teachers document and communicate this learning with families so they can see it all too.

• Families are partners. Parents are part of the learning community.

I’m Sandra Turretta, owner and director of Explorer Children’s School. After many years in early childhood education, I’ve seen that children learn deeply (and unendingly!) when they are respected, trusted, listened to, and given ample time and materials to explore.

The Classroom as the Third Teacher

In Reggio Emilia, the classroom itself is often called the “third teacher.” The environment is designed so children can explore, create, collaborate, and solve problems with independence.

A Reggio-inspired space feels warm and inviting. You might see natural light, open-ended materials, child-level displays, blocks, clay, water, sand, and cozy places for conversation.

At Explorer, our spaces invite discovery. A sandbox is also an engineering lab. A garden can become a science lesson. A ramp and ball can become an experiment in motion.

To a child, it may look like a joyful morning outside. To us, it is a child becoming a scientist, an engineer, a storyteller, a good friend, a collaborator, a community member, and a confident problem solver.

How Children Learn Through Projects and Documentation

Reggio-inspired learning often grows through child-led projects. A project might begin when children notice worms in the garden, shadows on the playground, or water flowing through sand.

Teachers observe carefully and ask questions such as:

• “What do you think will happen next?”

• “How could we test that idea?”

• “What changed when you moved this piece?”

From there, children might draw, build, measure, tell stories, create models, look closely with magnifying glasses, or work together to solve a problem.

Teachers also document learning in a variety of ways with photos, children’s words, and drawings. This helps children revisit their thinking, helps teachers plan next steps in curriculum, and helps parents see the deep learning happening through play.

Reggio Emilia vs. Montessori and Forest Schools

Parents often ask how Reggio Emilia compares with Montessori or Forest School programs. All three value children and hands-on learning, but daily practice feels different.

Approach	What It Emphasizes
Reggio Emilia	Child-led projects, collaboration, creativity, documentation, and the classroom environment
Montessori	Independent work, sequenced materials, and self-directed mastery
Forest School	Outdoor exploration, nature connection, resilience, and physical confidence

Reggio Emilia is especially strong for families who want a warm, creative, relationship-based preschool where children learn through inquiry, art, nature, and meaningful play.

At Explorer Children’s School, we are Reggio-inspired while also weaving in STEM, literacy, outdoor learning, and social-emotional growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reggio Emilia

Is Reggio Emilia good for toddlers and preschoolers?

Yes. Young children learn beautifully through sensory exploration, movement, repetition, and hands-on discovery. A toddler pouring water, filling a bucket, or watching a ball roll is already experimenting with early science and math ideas.

Does Reggio Emilia still prepare children for kindergarten?

Absolutely. Children build early literacy, math thinking, communication skills, problem solving, focus, confidence, and independence through meaningful play. The learning is joyful, but also intentional. Reggio encompasses all that school readiness, but adds what young children really need -- hands on, play based learning in a wider variety of topics, and much more time to explore than traditional school.

How can parents use Reggio Emilia ideas at home?

Start by noticing what your child is curious about. Offer simple open-ended materials like boxes, measuring cups, sticks, paper, clay, or fabric. Ask questions instead of giving quick answers, and talk with your child about what they are creating.

Bringing Reggio Emilia Into Daily Learning

The beauty of the Reggio Emilia approach is that it honors childhood while supporting deep learning. Children are trusted as thinkers. Their questions matter. Their ideas are taken seriously. Their play becomes the pathway to discovery.

At Explorer Children’s School in Castro Valley, we bring this philosophy to life through nature, STEM, art, literacy, and warm relationships with families. We want children to feel joyful, capable, and excited to keep learning.

If you are looking for a preschool where your child’s curiosity is celebrated, we invite you to explore our hands-on Reggio-inspired curriculum or schedule a visit. We would love to welcome your family into our community.