Educators from Children’s Discovery Center in Toledo returned home after studying early childhood education in northern Italy this year. They are bringing foreign classroom ideas back to northwest Ohio. The educators took part in an international study group.
The group went to learn firsthand about the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. They shared what they learned. Staff will incorporate those ideas into their Toledo classrooms.
“So we believe in a hands-on approach and that children learn through exploring and asking questions and going deeper into a project topic,” said Kristin Tansel of Children’s Discovery Center.
The teaching method views young students as capable and resourceful. It treats them as naturally driven to learn through exploration, relationships and a rich environment.
The Reggio Emilia philosophy focuses on self-directed learning for young students in early education programs. Children express ideas through direct activities.
The Toledo organization operates early learning centers across the area. Local teachers continue work to integrate these concepts into daily instruction.
