For decades, the Reggio Emilia approach to early years education has influenced educators around the world through its emphasis on curiosity, creativity, relationships and deep respect for children as capable learners. This month, international attention turned once again to the philosophy as Catherine, Princess of Wales visited Reggio Emilia, Italy, to learn more about the city’s internationally recognized approach to early childhood education and its impact on child development.
The visit serves as a timely reminder of the lasting influence of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and the meaningful role it continues to play in schools and learning communities around the world, including at St. Michaels University School.
Several SMUS educators from the Junior School have had the opportunity to visit Reggio Emilia, Italy, over the years, experiencing firsthand the schools, learning spaces and philosophy that continue to inspire educators around the world. In the reflections below, they share what they brought back from those visits and how the Reggio Emilia approach continues to shape learning and teaching at SMUS.
Step into Kindergarten: SMUS is hosting a special event for interested families to observe a Kindergarten class, meet the teachers and take a personalized tour of the SMUS Junior School. Join us on May 21 (9:00-10:30 am). Limited space available.
"When I first traveled to Reggio Emilia at the start of my time as Director, I must admit I was searching for concrete ways to ‘do Reggio.’ However, by immersing myself in that environment alongside hundreds of global educators, I quickly realized that this approach possesses a depth unparalleled by a curricular framework used in other schools. It is a fundamental shift in how we see ourselves as educators and, more importantly, how we view the children in our care."
— Becky Anderson, Director of Junior School, visited Reggio Emilia in 2017.
"It is such an inspiring place to visit. Being there reinforced the value of a child-centred approach to early years education. Allowing children to be the protagonist in their educational journey while as teachers, we observe and learn alongside them. Watching the videos and photos of the Princess of Wales walking through the Loris Malaguzzi Centre, the schools in Reggio, and Remida brings it all back!"
— Jennifer Flaherty, Junior Kindergarten Teacher (Sandpiper Room), visited Reggio Emilia in 2024.
"Visiting the Remida was a true highlight of my time in Reggio. The focus on sustainability, and the beautiful, innovative way materials were curated, inspired us to think more deeply about the resources we provide our students. I was also struck with the care, thoughtfulness and intention of how spaces were designed and how materials were presented. The types of narrations and documentation were so helpful in my understanding of making learning visible and creating transparency between home and school. It reminded me that every moment holds value when we consider the learning journey of a child."
— Jennifer Medak, Junior Kindergarten Teacher (Heron Room), visited Reggio Emilia in 2024.
"The sense of community among the educators in Reggio was inspiring. At the Loris Malaguzzi Centre, you truly feel that early childhood educators are honored and that there is a profound respect for this age group. This is exactly as it should be. We feel very fortunate that at SMUS, our work is valued and our young students are recognized as important, capable members of our school. This is the very beginning of their educational path. We are setting the stage for their entire future, and there is no role more important than that."
— Angela Ireland, Junior Kindergarten Teacher (Heron Room), visited Reggio Emilia in 2024.
"My time in Reggio confirmed what I’ve always believed: that children are capable and that they learn through play. Being there helped me understand the balance between children leading their learning and the deep intentionality of the teacher, who provides opportunities for them to research, explore, create, and express themselves. One big takeaway was that there are no hard and fast rules; it is a commitment to listening and learning alongside our students and bringing the philosophy of Reggio Emilia into our own context."
— Nicole Tripp, Assistant Director, Junior School, visited Reggio Emilia in 2016 while teaching in Singapore.
“My journey to Reggio shifted my teaching practice. Prioritizing listening to children’s thoughts and perspectives about what they are learning allows us to appreciate the complex theories they are constantly building. This shift has allowed me to move away from a pre-planned agenda and instead create learning opportunities that are responsive to their knowledge and natural curiosity.”
— Lynn Porteous, Grade 2 Teacher, visited Reggio Emilia in 2018.
"In a world that is often noisy and fast-paced, I felt a deep sense of calm while visiting the Loris Malaguzzi Centre in Reggio Emilia. It was wonderful to witness the deep respect held for children. The image of the child is strongly valued, and children are seen as capable, competent learners whose voices matter. It stood out to me how children were truly seen and heard, and how even the youngest learners were honored as important members of the community. I felt a deep connection to the values of Reggio, as its roots are grounded in relationships, reflection, and respect, values that align with my own beliefs as an educator."
— Katie McNeil, Kindergarten Teacher, visited Reggio Emilia in 2017 and 2023
Follow along Catherine, Princess of Wales, on her visit in Italy:
