Reggio Emilia Approach

Image of the Child

At E-Maison International Pre-School, we embrace a profound and respectful image of the child. We firmly view every child as inherently competent, deeply capable, and naturally resourceful, possessing an endless source of potential, waiting to be discovered and nurtured. Our philosophy is built upon the understanding that children are active constructors and protagonists of their own knowledge and identity. They arrive with a powerful curiosity and an innate drive to explore, question, and make sense of the world around them. We are committed to providing an enriching and stimulating environment where this potential is not just acknowledged but is actively celebrated and intentionally developed through meaningful, hands-on experiences.

The Role of the Teacher

Our teachers are seen as co-learners and co-researchers, as they facilitate children’s learning by actively engaging children, families, and colleagues to investigate, make meaning of, and communicate about what children are doing and thinking. The process involves asking questions, investigating, reflecting, interpreting, and sharing the results with the community. Our teachers use their knowledge and learning to create responsive environments and keep in mind an image of the child as a strong, capable, and resourceful learner and citizen.

100 Languages of Children

At E-Maison, our educators and children collaborate on projects inspired by the group’s interests within the classroom. We give children the opportunity to express themselves through what Loris Malaguzzi coined as the ‘100 Languages’, a concept rooted in interdisciplinary learning and the theory of multiple intelligences. This approach offers a rich mix of tools, subjects, and ways of expression, such as drama, music, sculpting, and engineering, and many more, encouraging children to explore, engage deeply, and grow creatively. By focusing on long-term projects, children and their teachers dive into topics together, fostering creative thinking, open-mindedness, and strong problem-solving abilities. We believe it’s vital for children to explore disciplines thoroughly, looking at a multitude of possible answers to the same question. Our educators launch investigations by posing thoughtful questions, prioritising the process of thinking over simply reaching a final answer or conclusion. Together, students and teachers embark on an evolving journey of discovery with endless possibilities.

Environment as The 3rd Teacher

At E-Maison, view the school environment, encompassing the classrooms, common areas, and the outdoor garden, its materials and the concept of time, as the “Third Teacher,” a concept central to our pedagogical approach. This means that the physical space is not merely a container for learning, but an active, dynamic educator in its own right. Our educators are highly intentional in the way they organise, support, and plan for these various spaces. Every detail is thoughtfully considered to create environments that are: Thoughtful, Imaginative, Enticing and Respectful of the Image of the Child. Through this meticulous attention to the physical setting, the environment acts as a silent but powerful curriculum, stimulating inquiry, fostering relationships, and promoting independence, thereby profoundly impacting the learning and development of every child.

The Role of Parents

At E-Maison International Pre-School, we believe that a child’s education is a collaborative journey. We place immense value on parents, recognising them as active and essential participants in their child’s holistic learning process. We view parents as our vital partners in education, acknowledging their irreplaceable role as the child’s first and most influential teachers. This partnership is built on mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to the child’s development and success. To foster this deep collaboration, we actively encourage and create multiple avenues for parents to become involved in the daily life and experiences of the school. Parents are invited to: Participate in Project Work, Engage in Special Events, and Contribute to the Daily Life of the School. This high level of parental involvement strengthens the home-school connection, ensuring consistency in the child’s environment and ultimately leading to more positive educational outcomes and a stronger sense of community within E-Maison International Pre-School.

Documentation

Your child’s day at E-Maison International Pre-School is a carefully curated journey, filled with meaningful experiences and thoughtful interactions designed to foster holistic development. We believe every moment is an opportunity for learning, growth, and connection, ensuring that children are active, joyful, and engaged participants in their educational environment.

The Learning Process: Making Thinking Visible

To truly understand children and the unique ways they learn, we place immense value on documenting all aspects of the learning process. This documentation goes far beyond simple assessments; it is a rich, ongoing narrative of a child’s inquiry, exploration, and mastery. We view all moments as essential pieces of the process. A spontaneous conversation in the construction area, a detailed drawing of a bug found in the garden, and a collaborative effort to solve a puzzle, each is a valuable insight into a child’s current understanding, interests, and next steps in learning.

Sharing the Journey with Families

This comprehensive documentation is not kept solely within the classroom walls. It is a vital tool for communication, ensuring that parents are active partners in their child’s educational journey. The children’s thinking, discoveries, and developmental milestones are:

Made Visible in the Classroom: The documentation is intentionally displayed—through learning displays, project walls, and portfolios—acting as a catalyst for further exploration and reminding children of their achievements.

Shared with Parents on the School App “Storypark”: This secure, dedicated platform allows us to seamlessly share photos, videos, observations, and learning stories with families in real-time. This provides parents with a transparent, intimate window into their child’s day, allowing them to connect classroom learning with home life and celebrate their child’s achievements immediately.