Next Steps Toward Teaching the Reggio Way: Accepting the Challenge to Change

by Joanne Hendrick

More than a presentation of the Reggio Emilia philosophy, yet not a "how to do it" volume, this book is a progress report of the steps American and Canadian teachers have taken in the last six years toward teaching the Reggio Emilia way. Comprising chapters by the leading advocates of the Reggio Emilia approach, it examines how real teachers in real classrooms are applying the principles of Reggio Emilia on an everyday basis. By combining discussion of Reggio Emilia concepts with examples of their application in American schools, it explores this emergent curriculum and helps future teachers see how to advocate for it in their own school or program. Discusses the Reggio system's support for the rights of the very young; Multicultural coverage guides readers to an understanding of the delicate balance between school and community—gives them practical strategies for building strong community bonds; Two chapters on working with parents examine the role of parents in children's educational development and the interplay between them and their children's teachers. Illustrates through examples the Reggio Emilia approach as it happens in American schools—highlights similarities and differences between the Italian curriculum and the American, as well as between American and Italian attitudes on education, children, parents, community, and other topics. For teachers or future teachers interested in learning more about the Reggio Emilia philosophy.

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 22, 2003

Reviews

[Amber]

2 copies available

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an early childhood educator, and a university student where it's early childhood programs founded on Reggio principles, I felt compelled to learn more about the approach.
Active, guided instruction revolved around child interest.
I found many key concepts parallel to the HighScope approach I was more familiar with.
A challenge to change ... that growth mindset we need to embrace
teachers learn with children, discover together
They explore, discover, analyze, interpret and record.
Reflection is a key component of the approach, and notably written into this text.
The vision is to experience the natural world as to construct understanding of it.

It's worth the read.