Reggio Emilia Approach
NMSD’s internationally acclaimed Early Childhood Education Department utilizes developmentally appropriate practices in accordance with Reggio Emilia principles.
The Reggio Emilia Approach, developed by Loris Malaguzzi is an educational philosophy focused on preschool and primary education.
The approach is based on the following principles:
- Respect, responsibility, and community
- Exploration and discovery based on the interests of the children
- Hands-on, multi-sensory learning activities
- Learning both inside and outside the classroom
- Collaborative, problem-solving approach to learning.
The goal of this approach is to promote a command of “expressive, communicative and cognitive language” also known as “graphic language” whether they are words, movement, dramatic play, painting, constructing, sculpture, shadow play, collage, and drawing. This is done through the exchange of experiences between children and allows teachers to find new ways to nurture the child as a learner.
The Early Childhood Education Department uses project based learning to promote critical thinking skills, investigative skills (research, testing, exploration), and applying newly acquired concepts to their academic learning and/or daily lives (such as graphing data, presenting information to others, completing a product to be shown, etc.) Critical thinking skills are emphasized throughout all classes. Teachers’ plans include opportunities for involvement of higher-level thinking skills.
Early Learning Guidelines
NMSD’s Early Childhood Education Department (ECE) follows Early Learning Guidelines (ELG) consisting of New Mexico Public Education Department standards and benchmarks for each age group. NMSD incorporates these ELGs in its curriculum to ensure that NMSD meets the state’s expectations and outcomes for students.
Click here to learn more about New Mexico’s Early Learning Guidelines.