Featured Documentation
We are going to explore the light!
Project work is a large component of the Reggio Emilia approach but there is much more to this complex system. Each day the teachers reflect on the experiences of the children, always mindful to watch for “the ants instead of always waiting for the elephants” (Amelia Gambetti-Reggio Children).
The children have been exploring the light for quite a few weeks now. We experimented with the light on the light table through the medium of watercolor. During our exploration we discovered the “glowing rocks.” We were wondering in which direction the children were going to take us. The Light exploration has a magical feeling for the children. As Amelia mentioned, we could have taken the scientific direction. Instead the children are taking us on a journey of feelings and relationships.
Look at the dragon. He is a nice dragon, don’t be afraid!
Look, Nathalie! The lights are hugging!
Catch me (moving the light back and forth to a friend’s light)!
Look at me, guys! Why are my fingers glowing? The light is inside me!
Nathalie: Did you catch the light?
Can we catch the light? Does the light have feelings?
This is how lights kiss!
Can you catch that dot?
Let me see!
A glowing snake!
An egg!
Look! I made a crescent moon!
Moon rising!
Can we draw the light?
Images of Light
The children used the light as a luminous pencil that leaves a mark and creates shapes.
Shooting Stars!
A rainbow!
A sad face!
Teacher Reflection
At the heart of this system of exploration is the powerful image of the child. Reggio educators do not see children as empty vessels that require filling with facts. Rather they see children as full of potential, competent and capable of building their own theories.
“…the child has a question of his own and is actively engaged in seeking and selecting relevant material with which to answer it” (John Dewey, 1915).
Photo Gallery
Children exploring light and color. Click below to see a larger image:
