Visit to Reggio Emilia Scuole (schools)

Today we visited two different schools giving us a total of three site visits.

While each of the three schools were Reggio, their personalities differed immensely. It was wonderful to see the diversity within each program- diversity of students, staff, materials and spaces.

Several themes emerged during our visits.

1. Children are trusted and capable. That is to say, children are allowed to make decisions which are best for them in that moment. That means that children are free to move from classroom to classroom, visit the piazza (community spaces), or venture outside independent of the group. Children are allowed to self regulate their involvement in activities and actively seek to build connections with others.

2. Aesthetics- The aesthetics of the three centers were different, yet the same. Each center used natural materials whenever possible. Earth tones and cool colors were found throughout the spaces. Evidence of the children's play, learning and creativity were abundant. Documentation panels, photos albums, and work samples lined surfaces and were found in all of the classrooms both inside and out. Careful attention was given the to the inclusion of plants and living things. Displays of clay were found throughout the centers and what plastic existed in the centers was largely gathered from the local Remida- recycling center. Room layouts included tall ceilings, large windows, natural light/open air and open concept arrangements. It is interesting to note that doors were either over-sized pocket doors or simply non-existent. This includes the bathroom spaces.

3. Outdoor Spaces- Each school had a large outdoor space that included a minimal amount of play equipment, mature trees, outdoor seating and gardens. The outdoor atelier found at scuola dell'infanzia Bruno Munari was particularly striking. The school is located on the first two floors of an apartment building. The retrofitted space includes a large enclosed play yard for the children. In one corner of the space, a large amount of loose parts were available for student creations. The outdoor spaces in Reggio are considered a part of the classroom and are not viewed as separate learning spaces.

4. Light and Ateliers- The exploration of light and art are highly prioritized in each school. In all schools elements of light- light tables, digital projections, shadow play, and even lighting ambiance were found in multiple locations inside and outside of the classroom. In some schools, light ateliers (studios) were found inside of each classroom with other light elements present throughout the classroom. Ateliers of art materials were found inside every classroom as well as in its own space. The ateliers can be based around a theme such as light, sound or clay or can contain a varied selection of art materials. Materials are selected based on the following criteria- variation and variety. Even young children have the RIGHT to a complexity of materials.

5. Documentation- To truly understand the personality of a school, you must first be willing to learn about its participants. Documentation provides us the window into the soul of the school. Documentation occurs in various forms throughout each school. Daily documentation is collected to show exploration, learning and the student's interests. This documentation is later used as a reflection tool for the staff. Project documentation is used to create memories within each school. Panels will be left up for long periods and revisited frequently sparking the creation of memories and the beginnings of new projects. Video recordings and photographs are tools used by both the children and staff. This type of documentation is an important reflection tool allowing for experiences to be revisited and their meanings deepened as the memories are shared and discussed.