Harbin 2025 – In Dialogue with Reggio Emilia: Listening to Children’s Languages through the Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material

The 2025 REACH (Reggio Emilia in Asia for Children) Conference, held in conjunction with the debut of the Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material Exhibition-Atelier in Harbin, marked a historic milestone in early childhood education. Organised by REACH, together with Reggio Children, Italy, and supported by Harbin Preschool Teachers College, Preschool Education Development Center of Heilongjiang Province, and Harbin Early-childhood Education Group, the conference took place on 11-12 January at the Shangri-La Harbin. This inaugural event brought together over 300 educators and distinguished officials from across China and beyond to explore the Reggio Emilia Approach and its transformative impact on early childhood education.

The conference was inaugurated with a captivating dance performance, “Joyful Delight,” by students from Harbin Preschool Teachers College, which set a celebratory tone for the gathering. The performance, full of regional character, welcomed attendees with joy and harmony, adding a festive atmosphere to the opening day.

Ms. Bipasha Minocha, CEO of REACH, delivered the opening address, warmly welcoming all delegates and reflecting on the significance of the event. Her words underscored the importance of fostering dialogue and collaboration in the pursuit of excellence in early childhood education.

Conference Highlight: Sharing Global Insights on the Reggio Emilia Approach

A major highlight of the conference was the insightful presentations by renowned Reggio Children experts. Mr. Nando Rinaldi, Director of the Preschools and Infant-Toddler Centres of the Municipality of Reggio Emilia, shared the rich history and key aspects of the Reggio Emilia educational project, inspiring attendees to reflect on the approach’s global significance. Mr. Massimo Ghirardi, Atelierista from the Girotondo Municipal Preschool, introduced participants to the concept of “Seeing the Invisible” through the lens of an atelier school, sparking a deeper appreciation for the role of ateliers in the Reggio approach.

The conference also featured special guest Professor Dou Lan, Director of the Department of Preschool Education at Harbin Normal University, who offered valuable perspectives on educational development in China and the role of the Reggio Emilia Approach in shaping early childhood practices.

The academic exchange continued with Dr. Ren Lixin, Associate Professor from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, who facilitated a reflective session on the day’s learnings, encouraging educators to critically assess and apply the Reggio Emilia principles in their own contexts. This session provided a thoughtful conclusion to the first day, inspiring attendees to carry forward the spirit of inquiry and reflection.

Exhibition-Atelier: A Groundbreaking Exploration of Mark-Making and Material
Complementing the conference, the Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material Exhibition-Atelier, hosted at the EtonHouse Harbin Qunli Campus, welcomed visitors from across the region. This exhibition provided an in-depth exploration of how drawings, words, and materials weave together to express children’s thoughts and ideas. The exhibition emphasized the importance of respecting children’s sensory experiences and the role of materials in stimulating their creative potential.

The exhibition also garnered praise from esteemed guests, including Mr. Liu Limin, President of the China Education Association for International Exchange and Former Vice Minister of Education of China, who visited the exhibition under the guidance of EtonHouse Harbin’s principal, Ms. Xiao Dan.

Experts from Reggio Children also offered valuable insights into the exhibition, reflecting on the importance of preserving the richness of sensory experiences in children’s learning environments.

Conference Conclusion: A New Chapter for Early Childhood Education in China
As the conference drew to a close, the collaborative efforts of all involved were evident in the powerful dialogues and connections forged throughout the event. The 2025 REACH Conference and Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material Exhibition-Atelier not only brought the innovative practices of the Reggio Emilia Approach to China for the first time but also marked a significant step toward deepening global exchanges in early childhood education.

This landmark event would not have been possible without the contributions of our esteemed speakers, distinguished guests, and attendees. A heartfelt thank you goes to Reggio Children, EtonHouse International Education Group, and all our partners for making this event a resounding success.

The conversations, insights, and connections made during the conference will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of early childhood education in China and beyond. We look forward to the continued journey of exploration and collaboration as we work together to nurture the potential of every child. ✨

View the photo gallery here.

Media coverage:

• 考学汇
• 中国新闻网