The Reggio Emilia approach may not be as widely known as Montessori or Waldorf, but it’s quickly gaining a devoted following around the world. Rooted in respect, collaboration, and creativity, the Reggio Emilia approach is more than an educational method — it’s a philosophy that sees children as strong, capable, and full of potential.

This beginner’s guide will walk you through the history, core principles, and why the Reggio Emilia approach is inspiring educators and parents everywhere. And if you’d like to go deeper into documentation, environment design, and classroom practices, our Reggio-Inspired Educator’s Course offers step-by-step guidance and real-world examples.

A Child-Centered Approach to Early Learning

At its heart, the Reggio Emilia approach is designed for early childhood education — especially toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners. Like Montessori, it is progressive and child-centered.

But the Reggio Emilia approach has a unique philosophy: it views children as competent, resourceful, and naturally driven to learn. Teachers and parents are seen as partners, co-learners, and guides. Instead of teaching children what to think, Reggio-Inspired environments invite them to explore, create, and ask questions.

This means classrooms look different. You’ll find light-filled spaces, natural materials, collaborative projects, and documentation of children’s thinking — all designed to honor the child’s voice and perspective.

A History of Rebuilding and Hope

The Reggio Emilia approach began in the small town of Reggio Emilia, Italy, after the devastation of World War II.

When the community came together to rebuild, they decided to start with the children. A young teacher, Loris Malaguzzi, helped shape a new philosophy of education. He believed children learn best through exploration, relationships, and real-world problem solving.

This constructivist approach emphasized that learning is not about memorization, but about discovery. Reggio Emilia schools became places where creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking flourished — and today, they’ve inspired educators worldwide.

The Core Principles of Reggio Emilia Approach

While every Reggio-inspired school may look a little different, several core principles define this philosophy:

Image of the Child. They are seen as active participants in their own learning, not empty vessels to be filled.
The environment is the third teacher. Classrooms are carefully designed to be beautiful, inviting, and inspiring.
Collaboration is essential. Learning happens in relationships — between children, teachers, parents, and the community.
Documentation makes learning visible. Teachers record children’s words, drawings, and projects to reflect on growth and guide curriculum.
The hundred languages of children. Children express themselves in countless ways — through art, movement, storytelling, building, and play.

Documentation: New Horizons Preschool, Australia

Why the Reggio Emilia Approach Works

Families and educators are drawn to Reggio because it:

Builds creativity and problem-solving skills
Honors each child’s unique strengths and interests
Encourages strong partnerships with parents
Fosters collaboration, empathy, and communication
Helps children see themselves as capable learners and contributors

In a world that values innovation and resilience, the Reggio philosophy feels both timeless and forward-thinking.

How to Get Started With the Reggio Emilia Approach

You don’t need to live in Italy to bring Reggio-inspired ideas into your classroom or home. Start small:

Observe and listen to what fascinates your child.
Offer open-ended materials like blocks, clay, or natural items for exploration.
Document learning with photos, quotes, or journals.
Create a welcoming environment with natural light, beauty, and order.
Invite collaboration by working on projects together.

Even simple shifts in perspective — seeing children as competent and honoring their curiosity — can bring the Reggio spirit into your daily learning spaces.

FAQs About Reggio Emilia Approach

Q: Is Reggio Emilia the same as Montessori?
No. While both are child-centered, Reggio Emilia emphasizes collaboration, open-ended exploration, and the environment as a teacher. Montessori tends to follow a set curriculum with specific materials.

Q: What ages is the Reggio Emilia Approach best for?
The Reggio Emilia approach was designed for early childhood (toddlers through preschool). However, many schools worldwide are now adapting it for elementary and beyond. Being Reggio-Inspired is a way of life!

Q: Do you need special training to use the Reggio Emilia Approach?
Formal Reggio schools often require professional development, but parents and teachers can start using Reggio-inspired strategies at home or in classrooms right away.

Q: What’s the difference between Reggio Emilia and Reggio-inspired schools?
Reggio Emilia refers specifically to the municipal schools in the town of Reggio Emilia, Italy, where the approach began. Schools outside Italy are called Reggio-inspired — they follow the same philosophy and principles but adapt them to their own community and culture.

Final Thoughts

The Reggio Emilia approach is more than a teaching method — it’s a philosophy of respect, wonder, and collaboration. It reminds us that children are not only learners, but also citizens with ideas worth honoring.

Whether you are a teacher, a parent, or simply curious, embracing Reggio-inspired practices can transform the way you see children — and the way children see themselves. And if you’d like support bringing these ideas to life with practical tools and examples, our Reggio-Inspired Educator’s Course offers a deeper dive into documentation, environment design, and everyday classroom practices.

About the Authors:

Megan Haynes and Priscilla Patti are two highly experienced and qualified early childhood educators who are passionate about teaching in a Reggio-Inspired way. They firmly believe in its transformative power in early childhood education.The authors share firsthand accounts of their experiences utilizing the Reggio Emilia Approach in Fort Collins, Colorado.

What Is the Reggio Emilia Approach? A Beginner’s Guide