Singapore showcases Italian-inspired educational philosophy, emphasizing creativity and play in preschool classrooms.
Singapore has launched its first-ever exhibition and conference on the Reggio Emilia approach, a child-centered learning philosophy originating from Italy after World War II. This approach, developed by Italian pedagogist Loris Malaguzzi, emphasizes the child as an active participant in their learning process and views the environment as a “third teacher.” The event, organized by Reggio Emilia in Asia for Children (Reach) and Reggio Children, runs from November 22 to 23 at Orchard Hotel, with the exhibition continuing until December 20 at 6A Stevens Road.
At the conference, Ms. Sun Xueling, Minister of State for Social and Family Development, praised the Reggio Emilia approach, highlighting its focus on fostering innovation from an early age through play. In practice, this philosophy encourages children to engage with materials like fabric and clay, as seen at E-Bridge Pre-School, part of the EtonHouse Education Group in Singapore. Teachers observe children’s interactions with these materials and adjust lesson plans to match the children’s evolving interests.
Unlike traditional schools, E-Bridge centers do not rely on tangible products like worksheets to measure children’s progress. Instead, the educators document the children’s journey through photographs and portfolios, emphasizing that each child expresses themselves uniquely. The approach encourages children to communicate not just with words, but through actions and body language.
The exhibition provides an interactive atelier where visitors can experience this educational method firsthand, while Italian educator Ms. Mirella Ruozzi, a Reggio Emilia practitioner for 50 years, regularly visits Singapore to work alongside local educators.
