The Reggio Emilia Approach is an educational philosophy that values children's potential and creativity. It emphasizes collaborative learning, where teachers and parents work together to nurture a child's natural curiosity.
A peer-reviewed study published in Peabody Journal of Education found that homeschooled children are typically well-adjusted socially and score above average on measures of social skills, emotional development, and daily living skills (Richard Medlin, 2013). Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests.
A peer-reviewed study published in Peabody Journal of Education found that homeschooled children are typically well-adjusted socially and score above average on measures of social skills, emotional development, and daily living skills (Richard Medlin, 2013). A survey of 232 unschooling families by Boston College researcher Peter Gray found that 83% of grown unschoolers pursued higher education, and the majority reported that the self-direction they developed as children was a significant advantage in college and careers (Gray & Riley, 2015).
What is the Reggio Emilia approach?
The Reggio Emilia Approach started in Reggio Emilia, Italy, after World War II. People used leftover materials to create schools focused on early childhood education. Loris Malaguzzi, an educator, developed this philosophy with parents and community help. By 1991, Newsweek named these schools among the best in the world. This approach sees kids as strong and capable, not just waiting to be filled with information. Kids have a 'hundred languages' to express themselves—like speech, art, music, and movement.
Core principles
Reggio Emilia education is driven by key beliefs. First, kids are curious and capable from birth. Learning happens through relationships, with adults and children engaging closely. Parents are seen as partners and the child's first teacher. Teachers act as co-learners, guiding kids to think deeper. The curriculum grows from children's interests and questions instead of sticking to set lesson plans.
Environment as third teacher
In Reggio Emilia, the physical space is very important. The environment acts as a 'third teacher' that encourages kids to explore and express themselves. Classrooms are filled with natural light, appealing materials, and flexible spaces that change with the kids' projects. The idea is simple: if you create a beautiful and engaging environment, kids will want to explore it. For homeschoolers, this means curating your space with open-ended materials and natural elements that spark curiosity.
Adapting for homeschool
Many homeschoolers use Reggio principles through Project-Based Homeschooling, which is just a different name for the same idea. Lori Pickert, a former Reggio school director who became a homeschooler, made this approach popular. You don't need special training or expensive supplies. Just follow your child's interests, document learning with photos and journals, and create flexible spaces for exploration. Projects can last a week or even a year, depending on your child's interest.
The bottom line
The Reggio Emilia Approach offers a guiding philosophy for homeschoolers instead of a strict curriculum. It respects children as capable learners, encourages following their interests, and promotes environments that invite exploration. This approach works well for early childhood and early elementary years but can also be adapted for older students through project-based learning. No special certification or materials are needed—just your willingness to observe your child's curiosity and create learning experiences around it. For families who like child-led education with a bit more structure than unschooling, the Reggio Emilia Approach is a thoughtful option.
