A little look into what a reggio emillia learning approach is,
why I love it and what provocations mean!
If you have ever looked online for beautiful nature inspired learning resources and inspiration, or a home-school style that revolves around child-led play-based learning , where your child's education is about being nurtured by nature and an education that strongly believes in allowing children to learn through curiosity, play,and exploration- then you will surely come across the term "Reggio Emillia". I just love all things that are Reggio inspired and create most of my learning resources around this approach, here at BarefootChild.
My love for this approach ,all started when my oldest daughter attended our local "preschool" when she was little,and soon after my 2 boys. At the time I had no idea what the Reggio Emillia approach was( I was rarely ever on the web back then) let alone, that the preschool they attended was one, -until years later, See back then- we had 2 preschools to choose from, that were literally up the road from one another ( a government traditional preschool ,with a big plastic playground out the front, neat little designators areas, fake grass and loads of new toys to keep the kids entertained - this would have been the cheaper option, especially back then when we were raising 3 toddlers on a very little income) but that wasn't the point, to me a natural and rich learning and play space for my children was all I cared about and that one DEFENTLY WAS NOT. So I choose the other one, (without hesitation ) purely because I just fell in love by the way it looked and the holistic approach it had, children were free to play outside all day, there was a huge door that would connect the inside to the outside that was ALWAYS OPEN and each child could freely go wherever they liked,use whatever they liked and were encouraged to take "small risks" to build their confidence and understanding of the world .They had "class pets" from axolotls and fish, and stick insects, tadpoles to rabbits and chickens that the children would be encouraged to hold, and look after-and the outside of the school ( the outdoor play area) looked like it was all put together by recycled materials and it was, it was beautiful, holistic and looked as if it was a very fun- HOMELY and inviting space to come explore. There were mud kitchens made from old pallets, animal pens and cubby houses built from recycled wood and hand painted by children, a huge sandpit in the middle,with bamboo made marble and sand runs. A REAL old boat for the children to play in, there were tyres on the ground and painted wood stumps for children to balance over. There were areas setup for tinkering and building using REAL wood and hand tools ( this is where you would find both my boys, most of the day the teachers would tell me) there were water play stations,nature scene tables and "camping areas( a fire pit, with real camp cooking materials , that the children were led into cooking their own handmade damper bread multiple times through hands on lessons with the teachers" ) everything came from recycled, second hand or natural materials but it was put together so beautifully, like a home- full of exploration.
A look into a reggio inspired classroom setup over at fairy dust teaching
There was not one plastic toy or chair in site, toys would be " real objects that the teachers had collected for children to use" these included things like real porcelain tea cups and kitchen utensils, to fancy gowns and scarfs for dress ups ( children were seen to play and interact with objects as if they were an adult and - part of this world, and not a little child, this showed children that yes they are capable and have been given a great sense of responsibility within their play, they played with care and a sense of adulthood with material most traditional school would see as "hazardous" there were no batman costumes or plastic tea sets or pretend kettles that did not pour out water, my children got to play with REAL objects, They got to build with wood and hammers , create beautiful artwork from recycled objects and craft materials , play with clay, and finger paints, there were wooden building block and magnetic tiles, and a whole range of beautiful wooden inspired loose part toys, Aswell as a collection of handmade items through out, ( I remember one week a teacher brought in her older sons high-school project that was this huge cave scene model he created from paper masque that he then donated to the preschool and the kids all had a ball, using it in their open play with animal statues, my husband one time even created a car track from tree branches we halved and wood-burnt road lines in the middle and created little fences from tree sticks for the kids to use in their pretend play with little match box cars, and farm animal toys, it was truly a beautiful learning environment, teachers, parents, children and the environment coming together for a holistic education.
- AND I JUST ABSOLUTLY LOVED IT "
I HAVE INCLUDED MY CHILDREN LEARNING DOCUMENTATION TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST, for those who want a bit better understanding of how a Reggio classroom learning works :)
This reggio provocation setup was created by Inspiredtheplay
-One of the core principles in the Reggio Emillia philosophy is that the environment should act as the third teacher
( read more on that below)
But just like I was taught.... I followed along with societies plans and rules...
My children thrived and were excited each day to go off to preschool for a couple of hours a week , then as they became school age and were sent to our local public school,for 36 hours a week, 5 days straight, I could slowly see that "spark" they had ,fizzle out, and become taken over by anxiety, bullying ,rules and begin to think they needed to be rewarded each time they learnt things, from high marks ,stickers and awards, as they sit for hours on end learning the letter a to z, but my children did not want to be restraint to a chair and desk memorising the alphabet, circling the correct letters in their workbooks,they didnt want to be forced into learning things that they really had no interest in because it is suggested they need follow along in order to "reach development milestones" otherwise they will FALL BEHIND- they wanted to be wild and free, they wanted to continue to play , to live their childhoods and learn through their child -led experiences, they Aswell as myself didn't understand why this needed to change , it wasn't until my daughter started year 2 and my youngest son just started big school(kindy) , that I finally took the courage (to step onto the path less travelled and become free - free from societies control and followed my hearts calling and began to unschool, to me these two styles of education entwine , both Reggio Emillia and unschooling both centre around allowing a child to learn how nature intended... naturally- to create an education based around experiences from curiosity, the natural environment, play and exploration , they both have deep roots into the importance of teaching children life lessons and skills.They also evolve around allowing a child to learn at their own pace, diving deep into passions and interests- these two educational approaches for me create the ultimate learning experience.
The Reggio Emilia philosophy is grounded in several key principles that shape its approach to early education:
Child Autonomy: Children have a say in what they learn, and their curiosity drives their educational path. There are spaces that are setup, that invite them in to play and discover if they become curious to explore these.
Sensory Learning: Experiences involving touch, movement, listening, and observation are essential for learning.Children are encouraged to try new and small risk experiences, from cooking over a fire, observing animals to using their hands in creating (even with the messy play)
Exploration and Relationships: Children explore the world through interactions with other children, adults and material items.Children are encouraged to have open conversations and discuss their observations, play with children of all ages and explore all materials and things in a
Self-Expression: Encouraging children to express themselves freely and providing infinite means to do so,ask the child questions and reflections on what they are seeing and doing.
This type of approach fosters a child-centered environment where learning makes sense to each student, respecting their unique perspectives and potential😊
In Reggio Emilia-inspired classrooms, materials play a vital role in children’s learning experiences. Here are some key aspects related to materials you are likely to find in a reggio inspired classroom or homeschool area.
The Language of Art and Materials:
Reggio Emilia classrooms view art as a process rather than a product. Children explore various media and materials, appreciating colour, texture, movement, lines, and space.
Teachers provide open-ended materials like coloured pencils, tape, glue, watercolor paints, recycled materials, clay,beads and wire, natural loose parts to incorporate into their art , Instead of guiding children toward specific outcomes, they allow them to experience the joy of creating art, Instead of being given a direct and structured task -like you would in a traditional school ( as example- cut and paste these sea animals onto the ocean picture, then colour it in, in a Reggio classroom a teacher would simply leave art materials out and setup in a way that makes a child want to come investigate, at their own will, -there may be some pictures of sea animals hanging over the station, with a little chalk board that says, what sea animal can you make? with various art materials and supplies that are easily assessable for the child to come and create " art" in their own image.
Thinking with Materials:
Materials are treated as active and participatory. They set things in motion, provoke questions, and generate ideas.
Common materials found in Reggio Emilia spaces include paper, charcoal, paint, clay, blocks,magnetic tiles,wood slices and mirrors,just to name a few. These materials become productive moments for children’s exploration and expression allowing them to "THINK" of ways to use,play or interact with these "open ended" provocations and areas.
Frequently Used Supplies:
In Reggio Emilia-inspired programs, you’ll find open-ended materials and play-based toys. These items encourage creativity and curiosity.
Some commonly used supplies include natural materials, light tables, MIRRORS, loose parts, real world materials " grown up things" and classroom furniture that align with the Reggio Emilia Approach
The environment seen as the third teacher!
In Reggio Emilia, the environment is seen as the third teacher where research happens. Both the indoor and outdoor environment is organised with particular care and attention to detail, every item having a purpose, creating spaces that are vibrant and responsive to children’s changing needs and interests. The environments are arranged to invite experiences, interactions, discovery and risk taking. They evoke curiosity and investigation whilst engaging in deep learning experiences, which is integral to a child's
‘learning through play'!
My childrens reggio preschool classroom they attended 5+ years ago- this is a recent photo I found of it on the web,it has changed alot.
Children thrive in environments that are suited to their interests and developmental stages. In the Reggio Emilia approach the environment is viewed as a place that is welcoming, authentic aesthetically pleasing, culturally representative of community, embraces nature and filled with purposeful materials. The layout of the environment promotes relationships, communication, collaboration, and exploration through play. Materials are thoughtfully added to the environment to promote creativity, thinking and problem solving skills, questions, experimentation and open-ended play. In a reggio classroom children are viewed more as capable and competent and less as needy. They are seen as young adults, navigating their desire to learn through curiosity.
I believe what should be at the CORE within a child's education, is the need for curiosity, that entwines nature, real life and opportunities for a little risk taking. -BarefootChildNature plays a significant role in the Reggio Emilia approach. Here’s why:
Integral Environment: Reggio Emilia views the physical environment as an essential part of learning. It shapes children’s identities and aids self-development. Authentic, nature-inspired materials are extensively used both indoors and outdoors in Reggio Emilia schools.
Existential and Ethical Approach: Reggio Emilia prioritizes outdoor experiences and conversations about nature and the planet Earth. Children engage with the natural world, through recycling, healthy habits, holistic lifeskills like gardening, paper making, animal rearing and fostering positive well-being and learning for both adults and young learners
Reggio Emilia classrooms thoughtfully integrate nature and natural materials to create an inspiring learning environment.
So how can you incorporate the Reggio approach into your classroom or homeschool?
As you start looking for materials for your " Reggio inspired setup", you don't need to go out and buy brand new resources,- you can however! - but my absolute favourite place to find earthy wholesome resources to incorporate into my children's learning area and it is where MOST of my resources come from -that you can see in my product display photos -are all from second hand stores and from nature! these op-shop are treasure troves for beautiful unique, handmade and natural materials that work great as open ended additions for your classroom.
When on the hunt for your resources, try not to get anything plastic, or to colourful ,you want to look for EARTHY AND NATURAL materials (think wood, cane,pottery,ceramic,crochect,handmade,authentic materials, cultural things and art supplies ect) - I like to collect wooden bowls, different wooden serving platers, to use as sensory trays, cane baskets , different jars ,I always like to collect hand made pottery pots if I find them -they are great for storing pencils and paint brushes ,and I always look out for lots of open ended things you can utilise as loose parts(old necklaces-cut and use the beads, wooden spoons, cooking utensils that are wooden, china tea pots,mirrors, and photo frame you can display childrens artworks, scarves, old fashion dresses ( you know those over the top ball and wedding gowns you see at every op shop ),little wooden animals and ceramic statues that are NOT TOYS but I just know can be utilised as some, you never know what you will find.. Next time you go to a thrift shop LOOK AT EVERYTHING DIFFERENTLY- if you find something that looks natural and earthy, think....hmm what can I do with this? ..,can I use it to store and display things in it? or what will the children do with this.. can they use it as an open ended object within their play, or as an art material? It actually starts becoming addictive, there's something I just love about scoring beautiful resources for very cheap, I love to think they have kinda like their own soul, they had their own life before they end up in my home.You never know what you will find.
Below is some natural materials I came across from second hand stores , and collected from nature- it is a mix of wood,cane,and handmade. This is not even a fraction of some of the beautiful holistic things I have found over the years.
I also love to collect natural objects I find on our walks to use,as loose parts ( some of these are great in art aswell) seeds and nuts, shells, coral, leaves and animal Skeltons, feathers everything. If you haven't already you can view my video on instgram of how I like to display my nature collection for our nature shelves.
Recycled materials also are great resources for your reggio inspired classroom, like buttons, cardboard boxes, old scrap materials, wooden pegs, just to name a few.
Next you want to find and Use posters and printables that have an open ended nature connection, that will help spark curiosity and investigation in your classroom. You can view some of our best sellers below....
Heres some other ways you can add a reggio touch to your classroom or homeschool..
Natural Elements: Bring the outdoors in by including plants, flowers, and natural materials like branches, leaves, nuts ,stones ect into the indoor space. These elements serve as both materials for exploration and inspiration for artistic creations. You can have a large fish tank on display or another "enclosed ecosystem, children can view", hanging plants, and plants children water and maintain, including vegetable crops, leaves sticks,stones,shells, dried flowers- all things found in nature can be used in your displays, investigation areas
OR FOR LOOSE PARTS AND ART MATERIALS, helping spark curiosity,exploration and questions from little ones.
Aesthetics: Emphasize aesthetics. Display materials in visually appealing ways using transparent jars as displays, wooden trays, baskets for blocks, hand made and ceramic jars/vases and other visually appealing resources you can use as displays and to store resources in. Showcase natural items like shells, stones, or leaves, within these vases or even within artworks hanging up. Also displaying children's artworks on string hanging from wood tree branches (like a garland) look amazing , -use real wholesome posters around the classroom, and a mix of earthy decor ( wooden table and chairs, cane chairs and baskets, a mix of different natural storage baskets,a reggio classroom is not a room of chaos, each thing in the room serves a purpose, when setting out your room, imagine it being used by children.
When styling your room ask yourself some of these questions below:
1)-Is this area easily assessable for children to move and grab things?
(if not maybe your shelves need to be shorter, or maybe you need to change the chairs to be able to fit under a table when not in use) or maybe your storage shelves have baskets that easily fall out or are to hard to get out when a child may want to use whats in them?
2) Would this area provoke children to want to come explore and use this space?
(look around this area, imagine if you were a child, maybe the space is to busy , and has not got a clear example of what this space is meant for, (crafts,building nature studies ?) by keeping your areas simple allows a child to see it for what its meant to be used for.
Maybe this area is to bright or to dark?
-lets say you have a quite area but it has alot of light, you can add a teepee, or hang fabric low to create a "cosy nook" feel for children, or within an area that is too dark, you can add multiple lamps, tall and short ones.
3) Ask yourself, does this area look authentic and holistic? Does it have a homely feel?
The beautiful thing I just love about the reggio approach is how "homey classrooms feel" , yes you have your modern montessori classrooms with new wooden desks and chairs, and slim shelving units, nice coloured blocks and storage boxes, but with reggio the whole environment has a calm feel, something that makes children not only feel calm like they can explore without "breaking or wrecking" anything, but make them feel as if the space is a second home- there are tables and chairs of different miss matched coloured wood, different shelving displays , baskets of all shapes and sizes, things on display that you would see within a real home.
Open-Ended Materials: Reggio Emilia values open-ended materials. Include loose parts such as blocks, fabric scraps, buttons, shells, and feathers. These versatile materials foster problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX, when finding resources to use, everything can be upcycled and reused into something completely different, from sea glass, and beads from old necklaces to empty photo frames to display collected leaves with paintings.
Provocations: Set up provocation displays—these are carefully arranged exhibits that spark curiosity. These displays invite children to explore and investigate further, aligning with current projects or topics of interest, nature tables and invitations to play.
What are provocations you ask?
In Reggio Emilia, a provocation is a carefully designed activity or setup of materials that aims to stimulate children's thinking, curiosity, and exploration. Provocations elicit responses such as problem-solving, creative thinking, and a deeper understanding of concepts. Provocation tables are put together with materials that encourage children to interact with their environment and express their ideas with imagination and wonder. These provocations are open-ended, allowing a child to interpret and use them in any way their imagination suggests. These are setup without a predetermined outcome.
Characteristics of provocations include:
- Open-ended: They are not directive and allow for multiple interpretations.
- Materials-Based: They involve a selection of thoughtfully chosen materials (e.g., natural objects, art supplies) - MIXED MATERIALS - to ignite curiosity.
- Designed to Provoke: They are intended to encourage children to explore, inquire, and engage.
- Responsive: They are tailored based on the children's interests and feedback.( a reggio teacher will watch how children interact with this space and adjust it accordingly )- example may include, the table has a mirror setup with rocks , seeds and other loose parts, designed for children to make patterns, but instead the teacher has noticed that alot of children are making faces with these materials, so the next day the teacher may change it up abit and add some face photos to the wall, or some eyes.mouth and nose pictures cut out to a basket, with some wood slices and the same loose parts ( now the children have posters of the faces to give them an idea , face parts they can use and even wood slices that acts as a head) - hence furthering their provocation, Reggio teachers are always responsive with acknowledging and communication with children about their ideas, they may say things like , that looks nice, is that someone you know that you have created? or do you think they need a hat? This allows children to communicate their ideas, reflections and further their learning.
This nature provocation was setup by the curiosity approach
Reggio provocations include resources and materials that may alarm a conventional classroom teacher. Items such as wire, glass, pliers, and nails are often deemed hazardous in early childhood environments. However, Reggio educators allow children to experience life skills, helping teach them how to use these materials competently and responsibly. Pliers, and wire are used with beads for children to create with , nails are used with hammers and wood, glass is used within the room to display loose parts or within an open ended " toy" a China teapot for example... and so on.. a Reggio teacher does not try to " shelter children from danger" but work towards teaching them how to safely handle themselves around it.
Some examples of provocations include
For example, a teacher might set up an art provocation with paint and brushes alongside seashells, or a sensory provocation with sand, animals, and gems . The key is that these provocations are designed without a predetermined outcome, allowing children the freedom to explore and discover in their own unique ways
Creating effective provocations in a Reggio Emilia-inspired learning environment involves several key steps:
Observation: Begin by observing the children to understand their interests, questions, and the ways they interact with their environment
Curiosity-Triggering: Set up an invitation with materials grouped together purposefully, which could include a written prompt eg: can you build a home for this animal? or an object that sparks curiosity a claw of a crab.
Open-Endedness: Ensure the provocation is open-ended, allowing children the freedom to explore and discover without a predetermined outcome. Children want to learn freely without constraint
Variety of Materials: Use a variety of materials that can be manipulated in different ways, such as loose parts, natural materials, or recycled items.
Documentation: Document the children’s interactions with the provocation to reflect on their learning process and plan future provocations.
Flexibility: Be flexible and ready to adapt the provocation based on the children’s responses and interests- this can be as simple as noticing they want to add water into a container with in their " animal provocation" this may act as a water troth or a bath for their animal figurines.
Collaboration: Encourage collaborative engagement among children, allowing them to work together and learn from each other
Reflection: Reflect on the effectiveness of the provocation and consider how it can be improved or extended for future learning opportunities
By following these steps, teachers can create provocations that are engaging, thought-provoking, and tailored to the unique learning journey of each child.
Here are some examples of different Reggio Emilia provocations you can setup:
As a teacher, you can provide an array of open-ended opportunities centered around loose parts. Your interest lies in uncovering fresh and imaginative ways that children can interact and play with these materials, with a carefree approach towards the outcome – whatever unfolds, unfolds! In this role as a teacher, you are a playful companion or a curious observer. Below are some examples of provocations you can set-up in your classroom.
Nature Exploration: Set up a nature table with leaves, pinecones, rocks, and magnifying glasses. Encourage children to observe, touch, and discuss the natural materials. Or setup natural materials like leaves, twigs, and flowers alongside glue and paper.
Light and Shadow Play: Use a projector or sunlight to create interesting shadows on a wall. Children can explore shapes, movement, and storytelling with their bodies or toys.
Art Invitations: Provide open-ended art supplies (e.g., watercolors, clay,recycled materials, beads,wire,different things to be used as stamps, ,picture of art on the walls, collage materials) and let children create without specific instructions. Focus on the process rather than the end result.
Small World Play: Create miniature scenes (e.g., a farm, a city, a forest) using small figurines, blocks, and natural materials. Children can engage in imaginative play and storytelling.
Sensory Exploration: Set up sensory bins with rice, sand, water, or other materials. Add scoops, funnels, animals,gems,and containers for children to explore textures and volumes.
Cooking provocation: play dough, kitchen utensils, empty containers, a stump of wood, with stove burners drawn on top, loose parts as "food"
Recycled Materials: offer a collection of recycled materials such as cardboard boxes, bottle caps, and plastic containers, tape
Storytelling with Loose Parts: Combine loose parts like figurines, small objects, and natural elements
THERE ARE A MILLION PROVOCATION IDEAS you can choose.
I have found this FREE PROVOCATION guide by fairy dust teaching, that will help you walk through provocations better, download it FREE below
Remember, the key is to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and allow children to lead their learning! 🌿🌟
WHAT IS AN INVITATION?
For invitations in your classroom, consider the practice of inviting a small group of children to embark on a project-based activity shaped by your ongoing inquiry. For these type of activities, you do have more of an intended purpose with the invitation vs. a provocation is more open-ended.
In a Reggio Emilia classroom, invitations are thoughtfully designed setups that encourage children to explore, create, and learn through play. Here are some examples:
EXAMPLES OF INVITATIONS:
For example, if your study is exploring identity, perhaps you invite students over to a table to draw their portraits with mirrors and art supplies.
Another example is if you invite the children to make a zoo in the block area and have out the materials to encourage that type of play.
Or keep it as simple as inviting children to read a book on a topic that you are learning more about.
Art Invitation: Set up a table with mirrors, various art supplies like crayons, markers, and paper, and invite children to draw self-portraits. This can help them explore their identity and creativity
Nature Invitation: Arrange natural materials such as leaves, twigs, flowers, and stones on a table with glue and paper. Encourage children to create nature collages, fostering a connection with the natural world
Building Invitation: Provide a variety of building materials like cardboard tubes, blocks, and small cars. Invite children to construct their own structures, promoting problem-solving and engineering skills
Sensory Invitation: Set up a sensory table with sand, small animals, and gems. This allows children to explore textures and engage in imaginative play
Storytelling Invitation: Combine loose parts like figurines, small objects, and natural elements. Invite children to create and tell their own stories, enhancing their language and narrative skills
Cooking Invitation: Offer play dough, kitchen utensils, and empty containers. Invite children to “cook” and create their own recipes, encouraging role play and fine motor skills
These invitations are designed to be open-ended, allowing children to explore and express their ideas freely. They are a key component of the Reggio Emilia approach, which values the child’s agency and creativity.
While you might have a general idea of your intended focus, it's important to acknowledge that the beauty of these experiences lies in the unexpected discoveries that often unfold.
Some of our favourite reggio inspired
resources include:
Below I have attached some of my own childrens learning documentation that I found from when they went to a Reggio preschool, to help give you a idea on how educators document children through play and exploration( each week my children would have a new observation /documentation added to their " learning portfolio" so each of us parents could view, comment and add to it aswell.
What are your favourite , reggio inspired activities? Comment below.
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