The Environment

Environment is considered the “third teacher.” In Reggio Emilia schools, classrooms are designed to be visibly attractive and comforting. Plants, mobiles, children’s work, and collections that children have made are displayed at the child’s eye level. Common space available to all children in the school includes dramatic play areas and worktables for children from different classrooms to come together. A welcoming environment encourages a child to engage in activity and discovery. Wall-sized windows, mirrors placed in unexpected locations, help to establish a space filled with opportunity. The Reggio Emilia approach integrates nature into the curriculum so that the child learns to appreciate the physical and structural environment. The architecture is designed to encourage playful encounters for the student.