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Singapore 2024 – In Dialogue with Reggio Emilia: Listening to Children’s Languages through the Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material
The 2024 REACH (Reggio Emilia in Asia for Children) Conference, held alongside the debut of the Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material Exhibition-Atelier in Singapore, was a landmark event for early childhood education in the region. Organised by REACH, Singapore, in partnership with Reggio Children, Italy, the conference marked the first Reggio Children event in Singapore since 2018, celebrating the enduring impact of the Reggio Emilia Approach on educators worldwide.
The conference, which took place from 22–23 November at Orchard Hotel Singapore, brought together over 400 participants from 14 countries. The event featured keynote addresses led by Maddalena Tedeschi, Pedagogista, and Mirella Ruozzi, Atelierista, from Reggio Children, Italy. Their thought-provoking sessions, interpreted seamlessly by Jane McCall, provided invaluable insights into the Reggio Emilia Approach, inspiring educators to embrace new ways of seeing and supporting children’s learning and development.
The conference was graced by Ms. Sun Xueling, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Social and Family Development, as Guest of Honour. Her address reaffirmed the importance of respecting children’s voices and the pivotal role of educators in shaping the future.
Conference Highlight: Panel Discussion – Mark Making: Pictures of Practice in Diverse Early Childhood Contexts
One of the most engaging sessions was the panel discussion on mark-making, which featured early childhood practitioners from Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and China. The panellists shared their insights and experiences surrounding the role of mark making in early learning contexts. This session provided valuable perspectives on how mark making practices can enrich early childhood programmes and promote deeper engagement with children’s inquiries and learning processes.
The discussion sparked a thought-provoking dialogue on the evolving role of mark making in diverse educational settings, offering an insightful exchange of ideas among participants.
Panellists included:
Complementing the conference, the Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material Exhibition-Atelier was an extraordinary success, welcoming more than 700 visitors, including educators, parents, and children. Over the course of its run until 20 December 2024 at the REACH Centre of Excellence, visitors explored the infinite possibilities of creativity and communication through materials. The exhibition left many inspired, deepening their appreciation for the role of mark making in children’s meaning-making and learning processes.
The exhibition was officially inaugurated on 21 November by His Excellency Dante Brandi, the Italian Ambassador to Singapore, who remarked:
“Italy’s contribution to the educational landscape is profound, offering new perspectives and approaches that complement Singapore’s vision of education as a cornerstone of societal growth and development. The Reggio Emilia Approach to early childhood education pioneered in Italy stands as a testament to the power of creativity, exploration, and holistic development in young minds. This approach aligns beautifully with Singapore’s commitment to fostering creativity and critical thinking, as well as nurturing the potential of every child. This event is a unique opportunity to strengthen the bonds between Italy and Singapore, fostering collaboration and mutual learning. Together, we can continue to inspire and support the educators who shape the future of our children, ensuring they receive the best start in life.”
Bipasha Minocha, CEO of REACH, added:
“Children are our future, and they have only one childhood. It is our responsibility to ensure that we are always learning and committing ourselves to the highest standards of practice in the learning and development of children in our care. This is especially important as the training, development, and well-being of educators directly impact the safety, care, and learning of children, which in turn affects families and society as a whole. The Reggio Emilia Approach to education has inspired educators worldwide for the last 65 years, and it continues to do so. We were excited to bring this landmark exhibition to Singapore to offer educators, for the first time in Singapore and the region, a firsthand opportunity to connect and learn from this groundbreaking approach.”
This exhibition, which has travelled to over ten countries including Canada, Japan, Vietnam, and Kuwait, began its three-country tour in Singapore and will next travel to Harbin, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Nanjing in China before continuing to Australia in 2025. Presented in English and Mandarin for the first time, it offers educators and visitors a unique opportunity to engage deeply with the research and practices of Reggio Emilia.
The conference buzzed with energy as participants engaged in enriching discussions, forged connections, and explored the innovative practices of the Reggio Emilia Approach. It was a testament to the shared dedication of educators, policymakers, and trainers to nurturing children’s voices and rights.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Reggio Children, EtonHouse International Education Group, our esteemed speakers, delegates, and exhibitors, whose contributions made the conference a resounding success. The dialogue, learning, and connections formed during the event will undoubtedly inspire positive change in early childhood education for years to come.
This is not an end but the beginning of an ongoing journey of discovery and collaboration to shape a brighter future for children everywhere. ✨
View the photo gallery here.
Media coverage:
22 - 23 November 2024
Orchard Hotel Singapore
The REACH (Reggio Emilia in Asia for Children) conference, which took place in Singapore on 22 and 23 November 2024, drew over 400 delegates from Singapore and across the region.
