29 | Scope and Extent
The Reggio Emilia approach is more of a educational
philosophy rather than a form of education. Mainly
focused on preschool and primary school children,
Reggio Emilia believes that every child is unique and
will express their interests in many different ways.
What this looks like in a classroom is a co-learning
environment wherein educators work with children
in a lateral relationship instead of a hierarchal
one. The approach revolves around children’s
senses to assist with learning. It is characterized
collaboration, representational development through
in-depth projects, and by an emergent curriculum
that consists of children’s individual interests, their
families’ communication, and the close observation
of their growth and exploration.
REGGIO EMILIA EDUCATION
A Reggio Emilia classroom might look like a house -- a
home away from home. A Reggio Emilia classroom is
less about aesthetics and decoration, but more about
the active participation and happenings that take
place between students, teachers, and families. It is
characterized by natural materials, accessible and
curiosity-sparking materials, and varied nooks, height
levels, textures, and colors with a structure more like
pods and areas than rows of desks.
CRITICISMS:
• Sometimes chaotic classrooms
• Not a formal model with de?ned methods and
teacher certi?cation
Scope and Extent | 30
WALDORF EDUCATION
From Waldorf Education: “Waldorf education is based
on the insights, teachings and principles of education
outlined by the world renowned artist, and scientist,
Rudolf Steiner. The principles of Waldorf education
evolve from an understanding of human development
that address the needs of the growing child.”
They offer a developmentally appropriate, experiential,
and academically rigorous approach to education by
integrating the arts in all academic disciplines. Intended
for preschool through twelfth grade students, Waldorf
education follows a method of instruction where the
learning process is essentially threefold, engaging
head, heart, and hands—or thinking, feeling, and
doing.
Architecturally, Waldorf education can be divided
into early childhood, middle childhood, and
adolescence as each age group (0 - 7, 7 - 14,
and 14 - 21) learns differently and have different
needs for their development. Waldorf schools must
be designed such that its spaces are adequate for
each activity carried out (craft classes, sculpture,
carpentry, and many others). It needs to be
comfortable, be harmonious with the arts, have
rhythmic elements, natural daylighting, and color,
be flexible, and have nature integrated within its
program.
CRITICISMS:
• Lack of emphasis on technology and standardized
testing, and the focus on imaginative play in early
childhoood