REACH

Before joining the REACH Study Programme, I had no knowledge of early years education and was completely unfamiliar with the Reggio Emilia Approach. At first, I wondered if I was ready for this programme, but I soon realised that this was the right place to be. The Study Programme far exceeded my expectations, providing both inspiration and a sense of confidence in knowing where to begin. One of my aims has been to make children look forward to coming to school, and this Study Programme offered valuable insights and ideas to start on that journey. I also had the privilege of meeting many wonderful fellow course mates and facilitators who opened up new perspectives and opportunities for me. The experience allowed me to reconnect with my own sense of curiosity, to explore like a child, and to appreciate the endless possibilities in education.

My biggest key takeaway from the REACH Study Programme is the importance of experiencing things. As someone who is very new to the Reggio Emilia Approach, I realised that it would be difficult to help children learn if we haven’t experienced it ourselves. I also came to appreciate the value of our identity as teachers. This Study Programme has truly opened me up to many possibilities. Experiencing a variety of materials allowed me to discover that I am particularly drawn to light and sound, something I might never have realised without this exposure. As teachers, we need to be researchers ourselves, and I loved the opportunity to connect with materials, understand them, and learn how they ‘speak’ to us.

The REACH Study Programme was a breath of fresh air for someone who felt stuck. I wasn’t sure how to make my teaching meaningful for my children, but it really helped me to see things from their perspective, to explore, be hands-on, and feel what the children feel, experiencing that sense of wonder and learning how to create these moments for them in the classroom. It’s not just about teaching techniques or ideologies, it’s a mindset. It’s about how we see children, how we value them, and how we can use our teaching to nurture that sense of wonder. For me, this Study Programme has been amazing, not only professionally but personally as well. There are many ways the Reggio Emilia Approach bridges our teaching with our personal experiences, and vice versa. I am so glad I had the opportunity to attend and truly recommend it.

The REACH Study Programme in Singapore has been an enriching experience filled with opportunities to learn and unlearn, supported by excellent facilitators, inspiring speakers, and insightful school visits. I’m grateful for this comprehensive training and confident that what I’ve learnt can be applied meaningfully in my own context.

This was my first experience with the Reggio Emilia Approach, and it has been eye-opening both professionally and personally. I gained new insights on understanding and supporting children in their own ways, which I can apply in my school and with my son. I also valued the new connections and friendships made, and I look forward to future workshops or continued learning opportunities.

REACH Study Programme gave me a deeper appreciation of the Reggio Emilia Approach and helped me see that each school can adapt it in unique ways. The school tours highlighted these differences, and I’m grateful to REACH for the opportunity to learn, engage, and connect with other educators.

One of my biggest takeaways from the programme is the importance of designing and reflecting on learning spaces. Having the opportunity to design my own space and receive constructive feedback from both facilitators and peers was invaluable, which brings me to the power of community and collaboration. Hearing fellow educators share their challenges and successes has shown me the beauty of turning difficulties into opportunities. Lastly, the expertise and dedication of the facilitators have left a lasting impression on me, growing not only knowledge but also inspiration to continue improving my practice.

Participating in the REACH Study Programme has been an incredibly enriching experience for me. The programme’s focus on learning from experienced educators in an environment inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach was both insightful and transformative. It offered a perfect blend of theory and practice, which allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the key elements of the Reggio Emilia Approach and how to effectively implement them in my context.

The study programme was very insightful as I could feel how strong the meaning of Image Of The Child from the carefully selected materials, the art of listening to the children, the inviting provocation and its environment which are very much child-led.

The most valuable takeaway would be the significance of The Image of the Child and Rights of the Child are through a Reggio lens. The in-depth exploration and discussions solidified my values and beliefs on how educators should view children.

Attending REACH Study Programme is such a great sharing moment. Discussing about “Children Rights” becomes an “AHA” moment for a reflection “what have we (adults/educators) done to support the rights?”