Introducing the world’s best preschool approach- Reggio Emilia (Italian) in India.
i am different
Seven guiding principles make ibambini different
1. Out in the open
The school is founded on the strong belief that an integrated, thematic and experiential approach is the most effective and powerful way to educate children. Outdoor and adventure education augments and provides structure for many parts of the curriculum throughout the school.
2. Negotiated curriculum
The curriculum at i bambini is not child centred or teacher directed. It is child originated and teacher framed…And hence, it is a ‘negotiated' or ‘emergent' curriculum which captures the constructive, continual and reciprocal relation among teachers, children and parents and is extremely dynamic.
3. Projects are at the heart of the Curriculum
Projects are emergent and are in-depth studies of concepts, ideas and interests, which arise within a particular group. The Reggio Trained Educators at ibambini start each session with ideas of what the projects might be, but the children shape the final choice. Cues for project topics are picked up from children's conversation, interests and preferences.
4. The ‘Third Teacher'
The organization of the physical environment is crucial to Reggio Emilia's early childhood program. It is no wonder that Reggio Emilia teachers refer to the environment as THE THIRD TEACHER. Throughout and around i bambini, there is an effort to create opportunities for children to interact and hence create ‘stimulating experiences.'
5. Parents (Genitori) as partners in education
All members of the school: teachers, parents and children, are encouraged to question each other's thinking and push each other with "why ... did you do ... ?" At i bambini, we view the participation of families not as a threat but as an intrinsic element of congeniality and as the integration of different wisdoms.
6. Educators (Insegnanti) are partners, nurturers, guides and researchers
The educator's role in ibambini is complex. The educator is first and foremost, a learner alongside the children. The educator is an educator-researcher, a resource and guide as she/he lends expertise to children.
7. Children are connected
The child is a member of a family and a community rather than an isolated individual. The child learns through interaction with peers, adults, objects and symbols. And hence, more than 70% of the space in the school building is devoted to common areas such as Atelier, Music & Dance Room, Resource rooms, Restaurant, Amphitheatre, Huge play areas, Discovery room etc.
