Implementing Reggio Emilia Philosophy in the Early Years Classroom

When

28 Nov 2022 - 30 Nov 2022
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Asia/Singapore

Where

Singapore
Singapore, (exact venue to be advised)

Event Tag

This workshop invites participation from individuals with experience and/or interest in the Reggio Emilia approach from preschool and primary education. In general, the Reggio Emilia philosophy is a constructivist approach to teaching, learning and advocacy for children. In its most simple form, it is a way of listening, interacting, observing what children know, are curious about and what challenges them. Teachers record these observations to reflect on developmentally appropriate ways to help children expand their academic and social potentials. Long term projects connect core academic areas in and out of the classroom.

The workshop is a three-part series designed to increase participants’ knowledge, skill and confidence in adapting and integrating the Reggio Emilia approach in your setting. Join us in exploring the Reggio Emilia Approach.

Objectives
Participants will be able to:

  • Increase their knowledge of the philosophy and theories behind the Reggio Emilia Approach and gain the confidence to continue their exploration of the principles
  • Carefully peel off the layers and begin to examine the core principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach
  • Build on the knowledge, skill, practical strategies and confidence gained from previous sessions and begin to develop strategies on how to adapt the Reggio Emilia Approach in their setting.

Outline 
Day 1: What are the foundations of the Reggio Emilia Approach?

  • Overview of the history, philosophical and theoretical foundations of the Reggio Emilia Approach
  • Review cultural variations and ways to use that as a bridge in adapting the Reggio Emilia Approach in their setting
  • Core principles and how they are essential to the Reggio Emilia Approach?
  • The need to continuously reflect on their own philosophy of Early Childhood Education
  • Generate action plans for both continued learning and development of skill for adapting the Reggio Emilia philosophy

This hands-on workshop will equip the participants with knowledge and skills to answer the following:

  • What is the significance of the history of the Reggio Emilia to the approach?
  • What are the underpinning tenets of the philosophical and theoretical foundations of the Reggio Emilia Approach?
  • How do you make teaching and learning visible?

Day 2: What are central operating principles of the Reggio Emilia? How can they be made visible?

  • How are the principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach essential to the approach?
  • Deconstruct and examine each principle in relation to ‘your’ setting
  • Explore practical strategies of how the principles can be made visible
  • Generate action plans for both continued learning and development of skill for adapting the Reggio Emilia philosophy.
  • Being a Reflective Practitioner

Day 3: Adapting the Reggio Emilia Approach the Early Years Setting – Where do you start?

  • Reflect on their personal journey and teaching practices with the lens of a teacher as a researcher.
  • Engage in an Imagineering session:
    • experience a visual tour of teacher and children’s explorations projects and investigations
    • mind map our “ideal” environment that is respectful to the image of the child
  • Explore materials and construct plans for ateliers that enhance the emergence of children many language
  • Explore ways the Reggio Emilia Approach can be adapted
  • A careful look at: What, How, Where, When to adapt – a look at the major components that must be visible
  • Using data to inform your decision and practice
  • Being a Reflective Practitioner

Trainer’s Profile

Dr. Ezeh is a tenured professor of education at Aquinas College. Ezeh, has a doctorate of education in curriculum development and systemic change with research focus on adapting the Reggio Emilia approach and cultural competence in early childhood education. Dr. Ezeh has been inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to education for over 20 years and has traveled to Reggio Emilia several times and to other Reggio Inspired settings in the USA on a study tour to deepen her knowledge of the approach and practice.

In addition to developing and teaching early childhood education courses and a semester-long course on Reggio Emilia approach, Dr. Ezeh has served as an adult and parent educator, not only teaching parents but listening and learning from those who can best describe what life is like for families. She has assisted several non-profit agencies as an Early Childhood Education Consultant, setting up schools, providing curriculum and evaluation expertise at a level that many would not normally have been able to access. For the past 18 years, Dr. Ezeh has extensive experience conducting professional development, parent education workshops and in school consultation and coaching with early childhood practitioners and elementary school teachers. She is the founder and pedagogical leader of the landmark two generational approach program Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC) in three cities – Grand Rapids, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, Michigan USA.  Ezeh focuses her attention on making learning and the teaching process visible and taking a two generation approach to early childhood education to vulnerable communities. Dr. Ezeh recently published her memoir – Nwaenyi: Child of an Elephant: Lessons Learned from My Father, a Nigerian Chief, About Child Development and Affirmations.

Methodology

This workshop will offer varieties of opportunities for experiential and collaborative learning. Participants will have the opportunity and are expected to be active participants in the discussion, both within the small and large group formats; reflecting on their own journey and learning in a supportive environment that allow them to gain practical knowledge that can be applied to teaching practices.

Target Audience

Teachers, early childhood educators, curriculum coordinator, parent educator and administrators of children aged 0 to 8 years.

Fees
1 person: SGD1300.00/person
2 to 4 person: SGD1200.00/person
5 person & more: SGD990.00/person

Venue
Singapore (exact location to be advised)
Information on Entering Singapore Requirements

Other Details
Duration: 3 days, 18 hours
Closing Date: 30 Oct 2022

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