Our Implementation of the Reggio Emilia Approach to Early Childhood Education, Part 2

Early Childhood Education 

 STEAM and the Project Approach 

At Imagine Nation, A Museum Early Learning Center, STEAM-based learning is embedded into children's everyday classroom experiences. STEAM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, is incorporated through the Project Approach, a type of learning that covers a child-initiated topic study and integrates it in all areas of the classroom. 

Within this framework, Imagine Nation’s teachers promote both problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Children have the opportunity to explore their interests and inquiries through a hands-on approach, allowing them to challenge themselves within their own comfort zones. 

Imagine Nation's Director of Early Childhood, Sara Castle, believes that STEAM-based learning and the Reggio Emilia approach complement each other. The emphasis on hands-on learning gets students involved and interested while allowing them to explore and discover. STEAM-based learning is important to implement in early childhood education because by introducing children to it in preschool, they have the foundational knowledge that will set them up to be successful as they progress through their education. 

Community Involvement 

Utilizing the Project Approach, Imagine Nation's Classroom 4B explored the museum’s Wildlife Studio as a starting point to research and learn about animals. Because of the joy and interest the children found in this project, it transformed into a year-long mission where children decided to raise money for the animals. The money was used for a shopping trip where children selected and paid for animal treats and supplies. 

One of the children involved in the project felt that the experience was so rewarding, he came back to the school after graduation to donate an additional $100 he raised for the animals. Having such an impact that a child is inspired to be more involved in the community is exactly what the Reggio Emilia approach aims to do. 

Imagine Nation’s art program has a strong community presence, and holds an annual Community Art Show for children, families, the community, and the local Board of Education. This is one of the most important parts of the program. The Art Show allows students to show what they are interested in, and the school and museum encourage children to work on projects that involve the community. Preschool programs from across Bristol are invited to showcase their work at the event, and hundreds of parents and family members attend each year. 

Leah Zukauskas believes this yearly exhibition demonstrates why the combination of the education and art programs work. Art gives children an outlet, and being able to their work on display allows them to show what they can do. 

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Special Thanks to: 

• Sara Castle, Director of Early Childhood 
• Leah Zukauskas, Head Teacher; classroom 2A

for giving their insight and opinions into Imagine Nation and how the education and art programs incorporate the Reggio Emilia approach. 

Other Research: 

"History and Origins." Reggio Emilia, Weebly, reggioemilia2015.weebly.com/history-and-origins.html.