Education is rapidly transforming worldwide, and in the early childhood years, there is a marked shift toward child-centred, joyful models over rigid academics. This global momentum was underscored at the recent Reggio Emilia International Conference in Italy, where educators from 47 countries, including from South Africa’s leading private education group, gathered to advance a philosophy that empowers young students as creative thinkers and co-creators of knowledge.
“The Reggio Emilia approach, particularly within the Early Years (infant, toddler, preschool, and primary phases), is grounded in the belief that children are capable, curious, and rich in potential. It promotes inclusive learning environments that support students’ wellbeing, encourage meaningful social interaction, and foster a strong sense of belonging. Central to this approach is a shared responsibility to the community, one that embraces diversity, promotes collaboration, and nourishes a creative culture for teaching and learning,” says Darren Purdon, Head of Academics at Advtech Schools.
He says the conference, co-ordinated by the Africa Reggio Emilia Alliance (AREA), offered a powerful opportunity to the Advtech delegation to engage deeply with the Reggio Emilia philosophy at its source and to reflect on its relevance and resonance within Advtech schools, as well as the opportunity for young students in South Africa more broadly.
“At the heart of the Reggio Emilia approach lies the understanding that education is not self-sufficient. Learning does not happen in isolation – it emerges through resources, experiences, theories, dialogue, and relationships. Children do not learn by themselves, but through interaction with others and through engagement with thoughtfully designed environments,” he says.
As a result, Reggio Emilia classroom spaces are intentionally equipped to reflect what is being taught, ensuring that the environment itself becomes an active participant in learning, often referred to as the “third teacher.”
“Children are seen as natural researchers who explore ideas through encounters with peers, materials, and experiences. Through thinking, acting, listening, and questioning with curious minds, they co-construct knowledge together.
“It is therefore important to note how accessible, everyday materials, such as paper, natural objects, and recycled resources can play an important role in these learning experiences. These materials invite creativity, exploration, and critical thinking. This means students can engage in practices such as observational drawing, while teachers carefully document learning through photographs, notes, and displays. Documentation makes thinking visible and honours children’s learning journeys, allowing reflection for both student and teacher.”
A key principle of the Reggio Emilia approach is seeing each child as an individual with rights, resulting in personalised learning being evident in every classroom. The teacher’s role shifts from instructor to guide, listener, and co-learner, creating space for each child’s voice to be heard. As Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the Reggio Emilia approach, famously stated: “There is no learning without joy.”
Learning, therefore, should be joyful, playful, and filled with discovery, notes Purdon.
“South African parents are increasingly drawn to Reggio Emilia-inspired education because it delivers measurable benefits: stronger social-emotional skills, enhanced creativity, better critical thinking, deeper engagement, and, crucially, children who love learning. In a world where young children face growing and often exhaustive academic pressure, this approach offers a refreshing and evidence-aligned alternative that builds confident, capable, and happy learners.”
By honouring children’s voices, embracing diversity of expression, and creating environments where inquiry and wonder flourish, the Reggio Emilia approach continues to influence progressive early years education globally and will increasingly do so locally as well, Purdon says.
“We know that the most powerful learning happens when children feel seen, heard, respected, and free to explore the world with joy and confidence. For schools committed to truly child-centred education, the message from Reggio Emilia is clear: the future belongs to approaches that ignite curiosity, celebrate creativity, and place the wellbeing and potential of every child at the very heart of learning.”
