I still remember the day I first heard about the Reggio Emilia Approach®. As a parent, educator, and someone who’s always been passionate about the endless possibilities of childhood, it felt like I had stumbled upon a hidden treasure. The more I learned, the more I felt a deep connection to its principles—so much so that I knew I had to bring its magic into our lives, both at home and here at Lit Kids.
A Philosophy Rooted in Curiosity and Wonder
The Reggio Emilia Approach® wasn’t something that came out of a textbook or a classroom—it was born from a community’s desire to build a better future for their children after the devastation of World War II. I imagine those parents, coming together in the small town of Reggio Emilia, Italy, driven by the hope that their children would grow up to be thoughtful, creative, and compassionate individuals.
As I explored this approach, I found myself nodding along with its core belief: that every child is capable, curious, and eager to make sense of the world around them. It resonated deeply with me, aligning perfectly with the values I hold dear in both parenting and education.
Seeing Children as Active Learners
One of the things that struck me most about Reggio Emilia is how it views children as active participants in their own learning. This wasn’t about sitting still and absorbing information—it was about getting messy, asking questions, and diving headfirst into exploration. It reminded me of how my own kids light up when they discover something new, whether it’s the way shadows change throughout the day or how mixing colors can create an entirely new hue.
I realized that learning doesn’t have to follow a script. In fact, it’s so much richer when it doesn’t. The Reggio Emilia Approach® encourages us to follow our children’s lead, to trust in their natural curiosity, and to provide the tools and environment that let them explore their world in their own unique way.
Creating Environments That Inspire
I’ve always believed that the spaces we create for our children are as important as the lessons we teach them. In Reggio Emilia, the environment is often called the “third teacher.” This idea opened my eyes to how our surroundings can inspire learning. I started to see our home in a new light—how a well-placed basket of art supplies could spark creativity, or how a cozy reading nook could invite hours of quiet discovery.
At Lit Kids, we’ve taken this to heart, creating spaces where children can feel free to explore, imagine, and create. Whether it’s a corner filled with natural materials or a table set with open-ended art supplies, these environments are designed to be invitations for curiosity and creativity.
Building Relationships Through Learning
Another aspect of Reggio Emilia that I love is its focus on relationships. Learning is not something that happens in isolation; it’s a deeply social process. The more I thought about it, the more I saw how true this was in my own life. Some of my most meaningful learning experiences happened not through books, but through conversations, collaborations, and connections with others.
In our Reggio-inspired journey, we see our roles as guides and co-learners, walking alongside our children as they navigate their world. We listen, we observe, and we join in their discoveries, always ready to offer a hand when needed but also knowing when to step back and let their own ideas take the lead.
The Hundred Languages of Children
One of the most beautiful concepts in Reggio Emilia is the idea of the “hundred languages” of children. It’s a poetic way of saying that children have countless ways of expressing themselves—not just through words, but through art, music, movement, play, and more. This has been a revelation for me, as I’ve watched my own kids communicate their thoughts and feelings in ways that go far beyond spoken language.
At Lit Kids, we celebrate these hundred languages. We give children the freedom to express themselves in the ways that feel most natural to them, whether that’s painting a picture, building a block tower, or telling a story through puppets. Every expression is valued, every idea is honored, and every voice is heard.
Bringing Reggio Emilia Into Our Daily Lives
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from our journey with Reggio Emilia, it’s that you don’t need to overhaul your life to embrace its principles. It’s about small, meaningful changes—setting up a space that invites exploration, paying closer attention to your child’s interests, and allowing their curiosity to lead the way.
I’ve started keeping a journal of my kids’ discoveries, jotting down the questions they ask, the things that make them light up, and the projects they dive into with enthusiasm. It’s a simple practice, but it’s helped me see their learning journey in a new light, and it’s given us a way to look back and celebrate how far they’ve come.
Our Shared Journey
At Lit Kids, we’re on this journey together, discovering new ways to nurture our children’s love of learning every day. The Reggio Emilia Approach has been a guiding light for us, reminding us to trust in our children’s innate curiosity, to create spaces that inspire, and to cherish the countless ways they express themselves.
As we continue to explore this approach, I invite you to join us. Let’s create environments where our children can thrive, let’s listen to their ideas with open hearts, and let’s celebrate the joy of learning together.
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