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 and workshops 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:

• Carme Gonzalez, Educator and REACH Trainer, EtonHouse International Education Group
• Heather Conroy, Board Member and Reggio Children International Liaison Representative, Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange Inc.
• Lorraine Emanuela, Reggio Children International Representative, Reggio Emilia Aotearoa New Zealand (REANZ)
• Prof. Jianqin Yin, Director, International Early Childhood Education Research Institute at Jiangsu Second Normal University
• Terence Lin, Lead Lecturer, National Institute of Early Childhood Development

Another highlight was the Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material Exhibition-Atelier, which remains open at the REACH Centre of Excellence until 20 December. Officially inaugurated on 21 November by His Excellency Dante Brandi, Italian Ambassador to Singapore, the exhibition showcases research conducted in Reggio Emilia’s infant-toddler centres and preschools, revealing the creativity and complexity of children’s mark-making and drawing. In his remarks, Ambassador Dante Brandi emphasised the alignment between Italy’s Reggio Emilia Approach and Singapore’s vision for education, highlighting their shared focus on fostering creativity, critical thinking, and holistic development in young minds.

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.

As the Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material Exhibition-Atelier continues to run until 20 December, we invite everyone to experience this extraordinary showcase of children’s creativity and the principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach. 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:

• Straits Times
• Zaobao