Reggio Emilia Emphasizes Child-Led Learning
A progressive independent school in New York City, Blue School offers educational opportunities for young learners from age 2 through sixth grade. In recent years, Blue School has acquired new facilities and expanded its programming to include middle school students. The school fosters a creative learning environment that takes some inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. According to the Reggio Emilia philosophy, children are creative and capable with a strong sense of wonder and knowledge. Reggio Emilia emphasizes child-directed learning in which students learn by pursuing their own unique interests. In addition, the philosophy focuses on group learning to encourage children to form collaborative bonds with their peers. Also, Reggio Emilia practitioners consider the learning environment to be a "third teacher" and create spaces that feature natural light and order where each item has a purpose. Adults serve as mentors and guides who strive to understand students' varied ways of learning and expression. Although teachers do not plan lessons in advance, they do take time to document students' ideas and discoveries to help facilitate each child's unique learning processes.












