The 2024 International Study Group to Reggio Emilia was a profound experience that reaffirmed the importance of children’s rights, particularly the “rights to having rights.” This foundational concept underscores the necessity of truly listening to children and recognising their perspectives as valuable contributions to our collective understanding of learning and growth.

One of the most striking aspects of the study was the pedagogical skill involved in observing and listening to children. The ability to document their inquiries and plan the next steps in their learning journey allows for a meaningful and evolving exploration. It is not about directing children but rather co-constructing knowledge alongside them, making learning an organic and interconnected process.

During the atelier session, I was reminded of the sheer intrigue that materials can offer. The focus was not on the final product but rather on the process—the journey of discovery. We engaged deeply with the question: What is the potential of this material? Exploring clay, we questioned stability and verticality, pushing the boundaries of creativity. The material itself became the protagonist, guiding our inquiry and challenging our preconceptions.

Strong facilitation emerged as a key theme—where the power of a well-placed question can spark new pathways of thinking. The seminar reinforced the significance of starting with children’s prior experiences and embracing our role as educators in extending curiosity. Our responsibility is to sustain meaningful conversations, valuing each child’s perspective as an integral part of the learning process.

Reflection by:
Chua Chai Yun
Senior Centre Leader
E-Bridge Pre-School Plantation Crescent

Walking through the schools of Reggio Emilia, I was struck by the seamless connections between classrooms, ateliers, and the Piazza—living pathways of ideas, interactions, and shared experiences. These were not just physical connections but invitations for dialogue, collaboration, and community-building. Although I could not observe the children in action, their presence was deeply felt—traces of their thinking and creativity infused every corner. There was a careful balance between order and lived experiences: materials and resources were purposefully placed, yet the essence of the children—through their works, educators’ documentation, and shared constructions—remained vibrantly visible.

Every structure, artwork, and project reflected the children’s agency, guided by agreements they co-created. A profound sense of responsibility was evident, not just toward their work but also toward their peers. This ethos of collaboration extended across all spaces, with some projects even physically and conceptually crossing borders, weaving different environments into a cohesive tapestry of learning. This experience reaffirmed my belief that learning is not confined to individual spaces, but instead, flourishes in the relationships between people, places, and materials (Ceppi & Zini, 1998). These spaces serve as catalysts for ongoing discovery and deep connection.

Loris Malaguzzi’s words echoed in my mind: “Nothing without joy.” The joy of constructing knowledge together, of shaping spaces filled with meaning, was tangible everywhere. Collaboration extends beyond working alongside one another, it is an act of shared ownership, respect, and the courage to build something greater than oneself (Rinaldi, 2006).

Inspired by this, I envision creating shared projects in my own setting—structures that weave across learning areas, carrying the imprint of many hands and minds. By fostering this interconnectedness, we honour the child as a capable protagonist in their own learning journey (Edwards, Gandini, & Forman, 2012). More than ever, I am committed to designing spaces where children negotiate, problem-solve, and dream together—because, as I witnessed in Reggio Emilia, it is in these border crossings that the most beautiful learning unfolds.

Reflection by:
Chia Xin Er (Rexi)
Class Teacher
EtonHouse Garden School by the Bay

References

Ceppi, G., & Zini, M. (1998). Children, spaces, relations: Metaproject for an environment for young children. Reggio Children.

Edwards, C., Gandini, L., & Forman, G. (2012). The hundred languages of children: The Reggio Emilia experience in transformation (3rd ed.). Praeger.

Malaguzzi, L. (1998). History, ideas, and basic philosophy. In C. Edwards, L. Gandini, & G. Forman (Eds.), The hundred languages of children: The Reggio Emilia approach—Advanced reflections (pp. 49-97). Ablex.

Rinaldi, C. (2006). In dialogue with Reggio Emilia: Listening, researching, and learning. Routledge.