Reggio Emelia approach question?

Question

We have had our daughter in a Reggio inspired child care program since the age of two(almost 31/2 now). I love the program, she loves going to school and the room is so calm and peaceful compared to other corporate centers and programs I've visited.

My question is though, at the age of three and next year when she turns four what should we expect from the school in the way of Kindergarten preperation? Learning letters, numbers, word recognition, etc. Our daughter is bright and we want to be sure she is challenged, I wonder if this school is still right for her? Should they or will they come out and teach these sorts of things?

I have looked on line and can't seem to find anything on kindergarten preperation and the reggio approach? Is there such a thing?

Also, many pre-schools now have computers in the classroom, hers does not but I did find "The Hundred Languages of Children" involves the computer language, what would be good software acceptable

Answer 1

Have you checked Reggio Emelia Alliance of North America on the web?

Also, ask the local school district's elementary coordinator what the kindergarten teachers' expectations are for entering kindergartners.

I'm not impressed with the pre-schools that present a school curriculum. Their kids may have more recognized letters and recognize more words than just their name but those skills are only temporary advantages and not required to meet the real purpose of kindergarten.

Answer 2

I have a Reggio preschool class. I feel the kids learn the skills based on thier abilities. I cannot 'force' a 4 yr old to learn letter sounds if the child cannot yet ryhme,. Reggio allows each child to develop at their level in a setting, while a traditional 'circle time' lesson tends to teach one skill level. And the child learns to 'research' a subject area (basically the child retains the info he/she is interested in, than what is direct taught w/o application). You do not have to learn one letter at a time (a-b-c...) , instead letters can be taught based on need. A more concrete experience that will help the child remember the letter and sound. As for computers, there are alot of thought on worthiness in a early school setting. Many kids today get too much media exposure at a young age. Computers are not neccesary for learning. Kids pick up media quickly today.