🌿 Reggio Emilia at Earthside
What is the Reggio Emilia Approach?
The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy that sees children as capable, curious, and full of potential. Originating in the town of Reggio Emilia in Italy, it places great value on children’s ideas, creativity, and natural desire to explore the world around them.
Rather than following a rigid curriculum, learning emerges through children’s interests, questions, and discoveries. Educators work alongside children as guides and collaborators, creating environments that invite exploration, creativity, and meaningful learning.
Connecting with the Early Years Learning Framework
Our approach is guided by Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which recognises that children learn best through play, relationships, and active engagement with their environment.
The Reggio Emilia philosophy complements the EYLF by supporting:
Belonging – building strong relationships and a sense of community
Being – valuing children’s ideas, voice, and individuality
Becoming – encouraging curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning
By weaving these approaches together, we create a learning environment where children feel confident to explore, express themselves, and develop a genuine love of learning.
How Reggio Emilia Inspires Our Practice
At Earthside Early School, the Reggio Emilia philosophy inspires the way we design our learning environments and respond to children’s curiosity.
You may see this through:
Beautiful, thoughtfully prepared spaces that encourage exploration
Open-ended materials that allow children to create, build, and imagine
Educators who listen carefully to children’s ideas and extend their thinking
Projects and investigations that grow from children’s interests
We believe the environment itself acts as a “third teacher”, supporting children’s independence, creativity, and sense of belonging.
Why It Inspires Us
What inspires us most about the Reggio Emilia philosophy is its deep respect for children. It reminds us to slow down, listen closely, and see the world through children’s eyes.
When children are given the time, space, and trust to explore their ideas, remarkable learning unfolds. At Earthside, we embrace this sense of curiosity and wonder, nurturing each child’s unique path of discovery.
Reggio Principles in Practice
🌱 The Image of the Child
We believe every child is capable, curious, and full of potential. Children arrive with their own ideas, questions, and ways of understanding the world. Our role as educators is to listen carefully, support their thinking, and nurture their natural desire to learn.
🎨 The Hundred Languages of Children
Children express their ideas in many ways — through art, movement, construction, storytelling, music, and imaginative play. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we provide rich materials and experiences that allow children to communicate their thoughts and creativity in many different forms. Focus on Quality
🌿 Environment as the Third Teacher
Our learning spaces are intentionally designed to invite curiosity and exploration. Natural materials, open-ended resources, and calm, beautiful environments encourage children to investigate, create, and collaborate. The environment becomes an active partner in the learning process.
📷 Documentation & Reflection
Children’s learning journeys are made visible through documentation such as photographs, notes, and shared reflections. This helps educators understand children’s thinking, celebrate their discoveries, and build meaningful learning experiences over time.