Reggio Emilia at Home: Simple Activities for Curious Minds

Reggio Emilia isn’t something found within the early learning educational environment – it can be incorporated everywhere.  The approach is all about stimulating curiosity, encouraging young children to explore what piques their interest and allowing this to guide further discovery.

The concept has multiple benefits. It prompts the production of vital neural connections during formative years and promotes valuable skills, such as problem-solving, communication and a love of learning.

The following details five simple activities that you easily integrate at home or when out and about with your little ones.

1.      Shadow play: The wonder of shadows needs nothing more than your hands and body to get started, although you can utilise any additional objects you choose. Children can discover how the shape and size of shadows alters according to how far away they are from the light – and it works just as well in sunlight as it does with an artificial light source. Such games promote imagination, spatial awareness, fine motor skills and observation skills.

2.      Make a building zone: Children love to create – and nothing is more fun than building towers, castles, forts or anything else that they choose. The beauty of this is that you can include multiple items. Cardboard boxes, empty toilet tubes, cushions, throws, ropes, sticks… The list is endless. Try to include many different natural fibres as possible, helping children discover different tactile qualities as they play.

3.      Create a natural art gallery: Paints, crayons and coloured pens all have their place, but making gorgeous arrangements from natural materials takes the experience to a whole new level. Flowers, twigs, leaves, pebbles, sand etc promote a strong love for the natural world during play. The different surfaces also invite curiosity, as well as stimulating fine motor skills and artistic impression.

4.      Discover nature’s orchestra: Another great way to integrate Mother Nature into play is to explore how different objects make sound. The clack of two pebbles, the crunch of autumn leaves or the staccato ping of striking a shell with a stick – again, the options are only limited by imagination. Such play stimulates auditory skills, as well as coordination and the discovery of tempo and rhythm.

5.      Provide role-play materials: Dramatic play is a wonderful way to encourage a child’s imagination. Again, this isn’t difficult to do. Simple household items can easily take on incredible roles. A car can be fashioned from a cardboard box, a robe or cloak transports a child to a magical, mythical world or a bucket and spade might simulate a beach or building site. The key is that the child has access to an eclectic mix of items that allow them to make up pretty much any scenario they choose – and play the starring role.

One of the main concepts of Reggio Emilia is that, ‘the environment is the third teacher’. Adding multiple objects that the child can reach and play with at will makes for 24/7 learning – and in an unconstrained way. Even more mundane aspects, like using natural materials for bed linen and covers, promote curiosity. The feel is so much more interesting than manmade fibres, providing mental stimulation even when the child isn’t actively playing.

The wonders of learning through play in a self-guided, safe manner, can be easily integrated into your home. The beauty of using natural materials is that a huge number of resources are available – and your child can help find them. Make every trip out a treasure hunt to see what can be added… Preparing supper can be a discovery journey, with the textures and colours of different ingredients. Even washing up can be an adventure – the wonder of bubbles and the feel of water will always be a huge hit.

The Treasured Tots environment embraces the Reggio Emilia concept. Each of our tailor-designed facilities, which include Mandurah, Hamersley and Bicton,  utilise natural elements to stimulate curiosity and growth. From the clever use of light to the wonders of our outdoor spaces, our children are encouraged to play, explore and interact to their heart’s content.

Ready to find out more? Contact us today to speak to our friendly team and book a tour at your nearest Treasured Tots location.