March 16, 2025 - Our Why Begins with History
On our first day in Reggio Emilia, we immersed ourselves in the city's rich history through a walking tour. As we explored, we engaged in conversations about the architecture, food, and culture that shape this inspiring place. While much of this wasn’t entirely new—having prepared with Understanding the Reggio Emilia Approach — seeing the connection between the book and the city firsthand was truly powerful.
Our journey led us to the Loris Malaguzzi Centre, where discussions naturally shifted to Values—the foundation of why we believe in the Reggio Emilia approach in Ontario (How Does Learning Happen?). (https://files.ontario.ca/edu-how-does-learning-happen-en-2021-03-23.pdf)
This experience reaffirmed our commitment to creating meaningful learning environments for children and families at HW4C—spaces where curiosity is nurtured, relationships are valued, and learning is a shared journey between educators, children, and families.
Surrounded by fellow educators from Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Europe, and Australia, we felt a deep sense of global connection, reinforcing the importance of this approach in our own communities.
March 17, 2025 Why…Is Participating In The Reggio Emilia Approach To Education Study Tour Important To Us?
Gaining first-hand knowledge of the Reggio Emilia approach from the birthplace of this philosophy aligns with the values of HWCCCC. As we know, play is directly connected to learning. It is important to learn where this concept comes from and how we can move forward. “If we want the next generation to remember we need to tell stories.” The hope is our experience (stories) will help the families and educators grow and learn and know our “why” for this journey. As well as share concrete examples on how to move attainable aspects of this concept forward in our programs. The first 1000 days of life is where they learn to learn, and because of this, we have a responsibility to support them in their journey. So with that, we will leave you with this ‘Children are the citizens of today, not just the future.’
March 18, 2025 Our Why Journey Continues With Piazza's
Exploring the Piazza in Reggio Emilia
The piazza is more than just a physical space—it is a living, breathing environment that fosters relationships, dialogue, and a sense of belonging. In Reggio Emilia, the piazza extends beyond the town square and becomes a metaphor for the communal spaces within early childhood settings.
At the Loris Malaguzzi Centre, we discussed the importance of the piazza in Reggio-inspired pedagogy. We had the opportunity to view how children from Reggio schools connect with the community through these shared spaces. The piazza serves as:
A space for connection – Children, families, and educators gather, exchange ideas, and build relationships.
A canvas for expression – Just as artists and musicians bring life to public piazzas, children’s voices, stories, and creations bring vibrancy to the learning environment.
A place of encounter – Different perspectives come together, fostering deep listening, collaboration, and shared meaning-making.
How do we create piazzas within our own learning communities? How do we invite children to see themselves as active participants in a shared space of learning?
March 19, 2025 Why… Is It Essential To Nurture And Make Visible The Many Ways Children Learn And Express Their Thinking?
The 100 Languages in the Reggio Emilia approach refers to the many different ways children express themselves, explore, and make sense of the world. It’s the idea that learning isn’t limited to words or numbers—children “speak” through an infinite number of mediums; including mark-making, sculpting, movement, digital, music, storytelling, building, and more.
By offering varied materials and experiences for children to experiment their theories, we open the opportunity for all children and adults to be active participants in the learning process.
“Joy is the value of participation, participation is the substance of rights” Pedagogista, Reggio Emilia
During the Reggio Approach Study Tour, the group had the opportunity to see the 100 languages visible throughout different programs and the Loris Malaguzzi International Centre. As we moved through these spaces, we noticed the similarities in materials present in many environments at HWCCCC and reflected on new ways to highlight the 100 languages with these same materials.
How can we make the 100 languages visible during our documentation process?
In what ways can we deepen our understanding and appreciation of the 100 languages in our daily practice?
March 20, 2025 Why…. Do we value Ateliers?
Today we had the opportunity to meet with an atelierista and study the culture of the Atelier. An atelier welcomes the right for each child to express themselves with 100 languages. A place full of a variety of materials, mediums, and tools. It’s not just a physical space, it’s a way of learning. It allows children to study the transformative properties of materials, often bridging art with math, science, and technology.
Our atelierista, Sabrina Casadei, explained that atelieristas are not art experts, but rather teachers with an arts background who work closely with the children and educators in the atelier (art space). They focus on producing art through a variety of different mediums. In the words of Sabrina, “Atilier is not art school. It doesn’t teach technique, we don’t ask children to simulate the artist. It’s a place that promotes pedagogical and creative thinking.”
We are grateful that we had the opportunity to participate in 5 Citizen ateliers:
A festive thought. Visual metaphors and daily life
Mosaic of Marks
Photography and Drawing with light
The language of gears
Material books
This opportunity reaffirms the pedagogical work that we have been creating at our centres. We look forward to sharing this experience with our Leads, Educators, and children. So that we might continue this journey.
March 21, 2025 Why…Is the Pedagogy Of Food So Important?
"Giving a slice of bread is much more than a simple gesture; it contains the poetic essence of food: Sharing"
This philosophy is at the heart of Reggio Emilia childcare centres, where cooks do more than prepare meals—they create relationships with children and their food.
Cooks have an integral role in childcare. Located in the heart of each centre in Reggio Emilia, you will find cooks fostering connections, and turning mealtime into moments of learning, joy, security, and belonging.
Creating the Right to Beauty, cooks walk a fine silk thread between comfort, calmness, security, and an atmosphere to spark exploration. Our role goes beyond the kitchen; bringing everyone together through food. It is through our craft that we create not just meals, but moments of connection, warmth, and beauty.
